Economy · GS3.1, GS3.4 · 2026-10-26 · 3 min read · 2026-10-26-pm
PM Modi Highlights Khadi Sector Growth and 'Vocal for Local' in Mann Ki Baat
In the 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat on October 25, 2026, PM Modi praised the Khadi and village industries sector for record sales and urged citizens to prioritize local products during festivals. This reflects government emphasis on rural economy, indigenous industries, and self-reliance, relevant for both Prelims and Mains.
PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat emphasized the rising Khadi sector sales and promoted the 'Vocal for Local' campaign to strengthen rural artisans and self-reliant India.
Why is this in the news?
PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat on October 25, 2026, highlighted Khadi sector achievements and promoted the 'Vocal for Local' campaign ahead of the festive season.
[1] Press Information Bureau[2] Press Information Bureau[3] The Hindu · Secondary
What achievements in the Khadi and Village Industries sector were highlighted?
- Record sales on Gandhi Jayanti. Sales of Khadi and Village Industries products exceeded ₹28 crore in a single day on Gandhi Jayanti in 2026, an increase of ₹1.5 crore over the previous year.
- Sector growth and employment. In the 2025-26 financial year, the Khadi and Village Industries sector's turnover surpassed ₹1.87 lakh crore, providing employment to over 2.04 crore people.
- Future targets. The sector aims to reach a turnover target of ₹2.51 lakh crore in the near future.
How does 'Vocal for Local' relate to Khadi and rural artisans?
- Promotion of indigenous products. PM Modi urged citizens to prioritize products made by local artisans during the festive season, reinforcing trust in Swadeshi products.
- Boost to artisans’ morale. The Prime Minister’s appeal has given new identity and motivation to millions of artisans, weavers, and rural entrepreneurs associated with Khadi and village industries.
- Women empowerment and rural economy. Khadi sector growth has become an important source of employment generation, women empowerment, and strengthening of the rural economy.
What other initiatives and examples did PM Modi mention in Mann Ki Baat?
- Organic farming and traditional crafts. The Kheti Virasat Mission in Punjab promotes organic cotton cultivation and has set up a weaving school empowering women artisans.
- Packaging innovation. Maharashtra’s tribal products under ‘Shabari Naturals’ won Japan’s Good Design Award for packaging, and a Karnataka start-up develops packaging from bamboo and agricultural residue.
- Scientific progress and digital healthcare. PM Modi highlighted the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre at IIT Madras, e-Sanjeevani tele-consultations reaching 50 crore, and nearly 1.9 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs providing healthcare.
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ₹28 crore | Sales of Khadi and Village Industries products in a single day on Gandhi Jayanti 2026 | |
| ₹1.87 lakh crore | Turnover of Khadi and Village Industries sector in 2025-26 financial year | |
| 2.04 crore | Employment provided by the Khadi and Village Industries sector | |
| 50 crore | Tele-consultations conducted through e-Sanjeevani digital healthcare platform | |
| 1.9 lakh | Number of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs providing healthcare facilities |
Back to basics: Vocal for Local Campaign
The 'Vocal for Local' campaign encourages citizens to prioritize and promote indigenous products and local artisans, thereby strengthening rural economies and fostering self-reliance. It aligns with the broader goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which aims to reduce dependence on imports by boosting domestic production and traditional industries such as Khadi and village crafts.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements about the Khadi and Village Industries sector as highlighted in PM Modi's Mann Ki Baat in 2026: 1. The sector's turnover surpassed ₹1.87 lakh crore in the 2025-26 financial year. 2. Sales of Khadi products exceeded ₹28 crore in a single day on Gandhi Jayanti in 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (c). A trap could be confusing the turnover figure with the sales figure on Gandhi Jayanti; turnover is annual, sales figure is for a single day.
Mains question (15 marks)
Examine the role of government initiatives like 'Vocal for Local' and Khadi promotion in strengthening the rural economy and indigenous industries in India.
Examine: Analyze how government campaigns and policies support rural artisans and promote self-reliance through indigenous products.
Intro: Government initiatives like 'Vocal for Local' aim to boost indigenous industries and rural livelihoods.
- Highlight the growth and employment generation in the Khadi and Village Industries sector as a result of government support.
- Discuss the impact of promoting local products on rural artisans’ morale and economic empowerment.
- Explain the integration of traditional skills with innovation and packaging to enhance market reach.
- Mention the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and how these initiatives contribute to self-reliance.
Conclusion: Such initiatives play a key role in strengthening rural economies and preserving indigenous industries.
Quick revision
- What was the turnover of the Khadi and Village Industries sector in 2025-26?
- The turnover surpassed ₹1.87 lakh crore in the 2025-26 financial year.
- How much did Khadi sales exceed on Gandhi Jayanti 2026?
- Khadi sales exceeded ₹28 crore in a single day on Gandhi Jayanti 2026.
- How many people are employed by the Khadi and Village Industries sector?
- The sector provides employment to over 2.04 crore people.
Sources
- [1] Press Information Bureau: English rendering of PM’s address in the 139th Episode of Mann Ki Baat on 25.10.2026 · 2026-10-25 · official
- [2] Press Information Bureau: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi boosts morale of artisans by highlighting achievements of the Khadi and Village Industries sector in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme · 2026-10-25 · official
- [3] The Hindu: Mann ki Baat address: PM Modi promotes ‘Vocal for Local’, highlights India’s scientific progress · 2026-10-25 · newspaper