With khadi-clad political leaders out on the general election campaign trail, the Khadi Gram Udyog outlets are doing brisk business as sales have picked up as much as 25 per cent in March.
Khadi Bhawan, the flagship store of Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), has reported a sharp rise in business totalling Rs 1.60 crore in the first three weeks of March.
"Demand for khadi products has picked up after announcement of general elections. During March, there is an increase in retail sales to the tune of 25 per cent as compared to the corresponding period in 2008," KVIC Director S P Singh told PTI.
Along with the trade mark dress of political workers and leaders, demand for the national flag has also gone up by around five per cent, Singh said, adding KVIC will accept fresh orders from the parties.
The KVIC procures the hand-spun fabric from artisans across the country. "Different states have different varieties," he said.
While khadi silk is sourced from West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa and North Eastern states, khadi cotton comes from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
