Khadi's Young India to cross waters

KOZHIKODE: Young India, a brand introduced by Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board (KKVIB), is all set to foray into exports. Under the Young India brand of Khadi, Manila shirts and Kurti’s for both men and women, known as the cool summer shirts designed for all seasons, will go places. The brand was for the first time launched in Kozhikode, as part of this year’s Khadi Onam-Bakrid fair of Khadi Gramodyog, but the brand was introduced in other districts last year.

“The demand for Khadi has always been high in other countries, and people are ready to pay for the quality that our Khadi offers, but often exporting has become a big hurdle for us due to the small production, especially in the clothing sector,” Kozhikode Khadi Gramodyog manager Soubabi N,P said, "But we are trying to popularise young India brand to other countries, hence exporting will be carried out."

In addition to this, it plans to put forward the proposal of popularising the brands of Khadi through online stores like Amazon, Flipkart and Jabong.  "The outlet at Cochin International Airport sells more than '4 lakh worth materials every month. Hence an outlet will be introduced at Calicut International Airport and the upcoming Kannur airport," she said.

As part of this year’s Khadi Fair inaugurated by excise minister TP Ramakrishnan on Thursday, Gramodyog has showcased silk saree, including Mayilatti silk, jute, Chindali silk and Payyannur silk. It will also features other products of Khadi, including handicrafts and grocery products.