New Delhi, Mar 7 (KNN)Thegovernmenthas given deemed ‘Export Promotion Council’ status to the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to boost exports, under which more than 900 exportershave already been enlisted.
“There is a provision of providing incentive in the form of 5 per centFree On Board (FOB) value of direct export of KVI products. Besides, KVIC has also been focusing on quality participation in International exhibitions and buyer-seller meets abroad to tap new and emerging markets for KVI products,” said Minister of State(Independent Charge) for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), K H Muniyappa, in the LokSabhayesterday.
Currently, KVIC implements a number of schemes for the development and promotion of Khadi such as Market Development Assistance (MDA) under which aid is provided at 20 per cent value of producing khadi and polyvastra to be shared among artisans.
In addition, there is a Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) under which assistance is given for replacement of obsolete equipment, setting up of common facilities centres, product development and market promotion while other supportis provided in clusters.
Under the Scheme for Enhancing Productivity and Competitiveness of Khadi Industry and Artisans, helpis provided for replacement of charka, product development, design intervention and packaging.
Significantly,KVIC with assistance of USD 150 million from Asian Development Bank (ADB) also implements a comprehensive reform package for the Khadi sector namely Khadi Reform and Development Programme (KRDP), which includes capacity building of 300 khadi institutions and incentivizing production, as per the Ministry of MSME. 
During the last three years, 234 new Khadi institutions have been set up in the country.(KNN/Gunj)