Raymond to buy Khadi fabric from KVIC

Top fashion retailer Raymond Ltd has asked Khadi and Village Industries Commission ( KVIC) to supply 98,000 meters of Khadi fabric, out of which 32,000 meters will be supplied before 31 March and the rest by May-end. The order values over Rs 2 crore.

Confirming the receipt of the order, KVICChairman VK Saxena said it is the largest-ever order received by KVIC from a top brand. He also said that this move would herald the entry of corporate sector into marketing of Khadi fabric.

KVIC had signed an agreement with Raymond in December 2016 and as a part of this convergence, the initial order for Khadi fabric has been placed by Raymond Ltd, said CEO Raymonds Sanjay Behl. Earlier during January and February, Raymond took more than 6,000 meters of different varieties from KVIC for testing and sampleing.

After joint visits, Raymond has selcted various clusters in Gujarat, Rajasthan and other states to procure the fabric. KVIC will supply grey and finished Khadi fabric to Raymond as per its requirements. Raymond will provide design input and undertake value addition to the Khadi fabric to create designer wear for the high-end market.

Saxena informed that the focus of KVIC is the welfare of the Khadi artisans and therefore, 5 per cent out of the margin of these special supplies will be provided as additional wage support to the Khadi artisans involved in these clusters. He further added that this bulk order will generate an additional 3,92,000 man-hours to the Khadi artisans.

As per agreement, Raymond will procure fabric worth a minimum Rs 2.50 cr per year from KVIC.