The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has identified Gandhigram Khadi Trust to implement Khadi Reform Development Programme and take steps to modernize khadi production to make it a feasible business for weavers.

Under Khadi Reform Development programme, the KVIC has agreed to supply 75 new charkhas and 10 new improved handlooms to weavers in Gandhigram and surrounding villages.

In the first phase, 50 charkhas had been supplied, said Trust secretary K. Shivakumar, while distributing charkas to weavers on Saturday.

Twenty five charkhas were given to newly identified spinners from Ammapatti village and another 25 charkhas to existing spinners from Kethampatti village. They would start producing yarn in the next 10 days.

The weavers in Kethampatti have suggested that their old spinning equipment could be given to their relatives or friends at the village on condition to boost Khadi production at the village and also expand production base at the village.

A consultant has been appointed to design shirts as per market requirement and train tailors to produce Khadi readymade dresses as they plan to strengthen their design and development activities to cater to the needs of young buyers.

Apart from supplying charkhas and looms, the KVIC will help renovate Khadi showrooms, provide IT managerial assistance, marketing reforms and local publicity. They also have plans to revive Madurai Sungudi saris in Khadi and introduce new designs in Khadi saris.

Also efforts are being made to link the MGNREGS with Khandi to ensure livelihood of spinners and weavers.