Tue Dec 10 14:03:08 UTC 2024: **Yadgir Khadi Mela Ends with Disappointing Sales**
YADGIR, Karnataka – The first state-level Khadi Mela in Yadgir concluded on Tuesday with significantly lower sales than expected. The 15-day exhibition, jointly organized by the Karnataka Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) and the Industries and Commerce Department, aimed to promote Khadi products and village industries. Despite 67 stalls showcasing goods from across Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh, vendors reported underwhelming customer turnout and sales.
While Saturdays and Sundays saw a slight improvement, overall sales reached only ₹1.30 crore, falling far short of the ₹3 crore achieved in Vijayapura and ₹2.5 crore in Raichur during similar events. Vendors cited a lack of public awareness about the mela and limited disposable income among consumers post-rabi harvest as contributing factors. Some also reported difficulty due to customer reluctance to pay full price.
One vendor noted that the timing of the mela, outside major festivals like Ugadi or Deepavali, likely impacted sales. A customer echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the post-harvest period left many with less money for discretionary purchases. Organizers acknowledged the need for increased awareness campaigns for future melas to avoid similar losses for vendors.
First Piper 