From Traditional skills to Rural Enterprises: How KVIC is creating new Livelihoods

The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), operating under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), supports the transformation of traditional rural skills and local resources into viable enterprises through schemes such as the Khadi Vikas Yojana, Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme. By providing training, financial assistance, modern tools, and market support, KVIC facilitates rural entrepreneurship. Notable examples include scientific beekeeping and value-added honey production under the Honey Mission, vetiver-based products, and banana-fibre handicrafts. The Honey Mission, launched in 2017, distributed around 2,46,000 bee boxes and colonies between 2017–18 and 2025–26, generating approximately 5,500 metric tonnes of honey production in 2025–26 while supporting agricultural pollination and biodiversity.