Take innovative products like Khadi denim to global markets: Nitin Gadkari to Walmart

There is a need for a quick revival of the MSME sector and a special focus on exports and Khadi products can help in achieving this aim, Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said.
Speaking at the virtual launch of Walmart Vriddhi e-Institute, the minister also highlighted the role Khadi Gram Udyog and Village Industries could play in strengthening the Indian economy. Urging Walmart to take such products to global markets, the minister spoke on the clear novelty of such fabrics.

“They are making very good and unique products. Khadi denim is being used by a lot of companies in the US and the quality is on par with international standards. We have all the potential by which we can give 100% good designs and particularly from artisans at affordable cost. More opportunity needs to be given to bring up their contribution. It will be a unique thing for Walmart too,” the minister stated.

Talking about how the Covid-19 pandemic has had a cascading effect on businesses across the globe, the minister said that the target now is to provide 5 crore more jobs in the MSME sector while increasing export share to 60%.

Emphasising how reducing power and logistic costs would be imperative for the MSME sector to move forward, Gadkari said that such practices would be key in the path to recovery. “We are developing water transport, highways and are thinking of using fuel like ethanol, biodiesel, bio CNG. Even for long term transport, we will use LAG or methanol as a fuel to reduce logistic cost by 40%,” he said.

Reiterating the significance of the MSME sector, the minister drew attention to the sector employing over 11 crore people, contributing 30% to the GDP and 48% to exports. Lauding the efforts of Walmart to train MSMEs via the e-institute, the minister stated that the platform aims to reach 50,000 MSMEs, which will also contribute in increasing exports.
Walmart Inc. launched the Walmart Vriddhi Program in December 2019 with the aim to empower Indian MSMEs to “Make in India” for domestic and global supply chains.

The e-institute-based Vriddhi Program provides MSMEs an easy-to-use interactive learning experience through online modules with a blend of teaching and assessment tools. Participants receive personalised feedback through virtual classrooms, formal assessments, and one-on-one advisory sessions. To prepare MSMEs to sell through new online and offline channels in India and abroad, the programme will also offer advanced training.

The Vriddhi entrepreneurial journey equips MSMEs with knowledge of key aspects of business management, enterprise growth, customer-centric services, manufacturing best practices, responsible sourcing and more. In response to the challenges brought about by Covid-19, it has been extended to reinforce the ability of MSME leaders to identify strategic issues, expedite digital adoption, and increase efficiencies in their businesses.

Designed by Walmart in partnership with the programme’s knowledge manager, Swasti, the curriculum is tailored to the business challenges and growth aspirations of MSMEs in the communities in which it is offered.

“With today’s digital enhancements, we’re helping more entrepreneurs expand their capabilities and build sustainable businesses that add value to their communities.” Judith McKenna, president and CEO of Walmart International said.

Kalyan Krishnamurthy, Chief Executive Officer, Flipkart Group added, “As India adjusts to the ‘new normal,’ digital transformation is a path to resilience for businesses. In concert with the government’s Digital India initiative, we want to help Indian MSMEs digitise so they can react to market trends and challenges with speed and agility, better serve their customers and grow their business.”

Walmart Vriddhi’s first all-digital e-institute will initially be open to MSMEs in Panipat, Sonipat, and Kundli, an area that is a hub of textile, steel and kitchenware production with a strong entrepreneurial heritage and a skilled workforce. Eligible MSMEs can access the digital training experience through a mobile application available on iOS and Android in both English and Hindi.