Date: 2026-03-23Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
KVIC is imparting training to artisans on the operation and maintenance of agarbatti machines as well as on the process of agarbatti making across the country including Karnataka
**Executive Summary**
This report outlines the Khadi and Village Industries Commission's (KVIC) initiative to provide training and equipment to artisans in the Agarbatti industry under the Agro Based and Food Processing Industry vertical. The document details the distribution of machinery across 21 states from the financial years 2021-22 to 2024-25 and confirms the provision of market linkages for finished products. As of March 23, 2026, there are no active proposals for establishing Centres of Excellence within this sector.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Training and Resource Provision**
* KVIC conducts nationwide training on the operation and maintenance of Agarbatti machines and the production process.
* Training is delivered through master trainers, experts, and Multi-Disciplinary Training Centres (MDTCs).
* Artisans are provided with raw materials at no cost during the training period.
**Equipment Distribution**
* Agarbatti machines are distributed to artisans specifically upon the successful completion of their training.
* Distribution data from 2021-22 to 2024-25 covers 21 states/UTs, including significant allocations in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
**Market Linkages and Support**
* KVIC facilitates product sales through its network of assisted Khadi Institutions and physical sales outlets.
* Artisans are granted access to exhibitions and online platforms for the effective display and sale of their products.
**Sectoral Development**
* The Agarbatti industry is officially categorized under the Agro Based and Food Processing Industry (ABFPI) vertical of GVY.
* There is currently no specific proposal for the establishment of Centres of Excellence for the Agarbatti Industry.
**Impact Analysis**
**Artisans**
**Impact**
Artisans gain technical expertise in machine maintenance and Agarbatti production. They receive necessary equipment and raw materials, along with access to established KVIC sales channels and online platforms to sell their goods.
**Action Required**
Interested artisans must undergo and complete the formal training provided by KVIC experts or MDTCs to qualify for machine distribution.
**KVIC / Ministry of MSME**
**Impact**
The Ministry is responsible for the logistical rollout of training and the state-wise distribution of machinery. They must manage the "Agro Based and Food Processing Industry" vertical and maintain the infrastructure for market linkages.
**Action Required**
The Ministry must continue monitoring the distribution of machines across various states and ensure that the network of Khadi Institutions remains available for artisan support.
**Khadi Institutions and Sales Outlets**
**Impact**
These entities serve as the primary conduits for market linkages, providing the physical and digital infrastructure for artisans to reach consumers.
**Action Required**
These institutions must coordinate with KVIC to host exhibitions and list artisan products on online platforms and in sales outlets.
Key Entities Referenced
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC): The primary agency responsible for imparting training to artisans, distributing agarbatti machines, and providing market linkages through its network.
Gramodyog Vikas Yojana (GVY): The central scheme under which the initiatives for training and machine distribution in the agarbatti industry are organized.
Agro Based and Food Processing Industry (ABFPI): The specific industry vertical within the GVY framework that covers the agarbatti industry.
Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises: The primary ministry overseeing the development of the agarbatti sector and the implementation of support programs via KVIC.
Sushri Shobha Karandlaje: The Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises who provided the official report on machine distribution and industry support.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
KVIC is imparting training to artisans on the
operation and maintenance of agarbatti
machines as well as on the process of agarbatti
making across the country including Karnataka
During the training period, raw materials are provided to the
artisans; Agarbatti machines are also distributed by KVIC
upon completion of the training
Posted On: 23 MAR 2026 4:58PM by PIB Delhi
The Agarbatti industry is covered under the Agro Based and Food Processing Industry (ABFPI) vertical
of GVY. KVIC is imparting training to artisans through master trainers/experts/MDTCs on the operation
and maintenance of agarbatti machines, as well as on the process of agarbatti making across the country
including Karnataka State. During the training period, raw materials are being provided to the artisans
and upon completion of the training, Agarbatti machines are also distributed by KVIC to the artisans.
KVIC also extend market linkages through its network of assisted Khadi Institutions, exhibitions, sales
outlets and online platforms for effective display and sale of products.
State-wise details of Agarbatti Machines distributed to the artisans during the years 2021-22 to 2024-25,
including Karnataka State are given at Annexure-I.
There is no specific proposal for establishment of Centres of Excellence under the Agarbatti Industry.
Annexure-I
State-wise details of Agarbatti Machines distributed to the artisans
Sr. Name of the Financial Year
State/UT
No
2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25
1 Arunachal 40 - - -
Pradesh
2 Assam - 20 40 -
3 Bihar 50 - 20 564 Chhattisgarh - 40 - -
5 Delhi - - 20 -
6 Gujarat - 20 40 80
7 Haryana - - 20 40
8 Himachal Pradesh - - 20 20
9 Jammu & 40 - - -
Kashmir
10 Jharkhand 90 - 20 20
11 Karnataka 90 80 40 20
12 Madhya Pradesh - 45 20 40
13 Maharashtra 260 60 20 -
14 Manipur - - - 20
15 Meghalaya - - 20 -
16 Odisha 50 - - 20
17 Rajasthan 90 40 - -
18 Tamil Nadu 140 20 40 33
19 Telangana - 40 40 -
20 Uttar Pradesh 100 20 60 120
21 West Bengal 50 - 20 -
This information was given by the Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises,
Sushri Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
***
Sunil Kumar Tiwari
E-mail hipessi[at]gmail[dot]com(Release ID: 2244002) Visitor Counter : 103
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