Srinagar, 21-02-2025: In a significant move aimed at revitalizing Kashmir’s centuries-old handicraft sector, a high-level delegation from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga, met with Mrs. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in New Delhi. The discussions centered on the pressing challenges faced by artisans, declining export figures, and strategies to ensure sustainable growth and global market access for Kashmir’s world-renowned crafts. The meeting, also attended by Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner Handicrafts (DCH), and key KCCI representatives, including Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi, Junior Vice President, and Muzzafar Majid Jan, Member Executive Committee, underscored the urgent need for policy interventions and industry support to safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of artisan families in the valley. The delegation presented a detailed report highlighting the alarming decline in handicraft exports, attributing the downturn to market disruptions, lack of modern infrastructure, inadequate branding and marketing strategies, and insufficient government support.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the Textile Secretary’s assurance to support an international handicraft exhibition in Srinagar, slated for September-October 2025. This mega event, to be organized in collaboration with KCCI and prominent craft councils, is expected to provide Kashmiri artisans and exporters with a global platform to directly connect with international buyers and explore new trade avenues. Additionally, the KCCI proposed the establishment of a world-class Handicrafts Centre/Mart in Kashmir, designed as a permanent venue for year-round craft exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, and cultural exchanges. This facility would not only strengthen market linkages but also help position Kashmir as a premier global hub for traditional crafts, attracting investment and fostering innovation in the sector.
The discussions also delved into the critical need for modernizing production techniques without compromising traditional craftsmanship. The delegation stressed the importance of equipping artisans with market-relevant skills through design interventions, digital marketing training, and technology integration to cater to evolving consumer preferences worldwide. A major area of concern was the lack of adequate infrastructure and staffing for Geographical Indication (GI) tagging, which is essential for protecting Kashmir’s unique craft identity and preventing counterfeit products from flooding the market. Both parties acknowledged the need to strengthen the GI certification process, ensuring that authentic Kashmiri handicrafts maintain their exclusivity and fetch premium value in international markets.
The KCCI delegation outlined an ambitious vision of tripling Kashmir’s handicraft exports to ₹3,000 crore within the next three years. This would be achieved through increased participation in global trade fairs and exhibitions, modernization of production facilities while preserving traditional techniques, direct market linkages with international buyers, implementation of strict quality control standards, and the establishment of a robust e-commerce platform dedicated to Kashmiri handicrafts. Recognizing the pivotal role of women artisans, who have traditionally been the backbone of Kashmir’s handicraft industry, the delegation emphasized the need for targeted programs that enhance women’s financial inclusion, access to markets, and skill development opportunities.
Textile Secretary Neelam Shami Rao assured the delegation of the ministry’s full support in addressing these concerns and expediting the implementation of proposed reforms. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage while simultaneously creating a robust economic ecosystem for artisans. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to collaborate on sustainable policies and initiatives that would not only revitalize Kashmir’s handicraft sector but also ensure its long-term growth and global competitiveness.