Closure of 137 industries in Kailali due to raw material shortage

GOWADARI: Kailali district has witnessed the closure of 137 cottage and small industries owing to the scarcity of raw materials. This closure stems from the inability of several industries to manage operational costs, while others struggled to compete with market prices for their products.

The Cottage and Small Industries Office reported that a significant number of these closures occurred as proprietors sought foreign employment opportunities, leaving their businesses behind.

However, amidst this downturn, there has been a notable increase in the registration of women-owned enterprises in the district. This surge can be attributed to the provision of registration fee concessions for women-owned industries.

Presently, Kailali boasts a total of 15,434 registered industries, out of which 3,194 are production-based, 6,488 are agriculture-based, two are construction-related, 65 are tourism-related, 12 are information technology-related, and 5,673 are service-oriented industries. These industries collectively hold investments worth Rs 25 billion.

To address the challenges faced by industries, the Sudurpaschim provincial government has allocated Rs 15 million for the implementation of the 'One Electoral Constituency, One Industry' program in the current fiscal year.

The Office also disclosed that these industries provide employment to 9,120 women and 69,611 men. In terms of revenue collection, the Office garnered Rs 5 million 216 thousand in the last fiscal year 2022/23, with an increase to Rs 10 million 500 thousand as of March 13, during the eight months of the current fiscal year 2023/24.