SRINAGAR: In the past three years, the Centre has allocated over Rs 1,400 crore to Jammu and Kashmir to promote the region’s handicrafts.
Official figures reveal that the Centre has released Rs 1,404.19 crore to Jammu and Kashmir over the last three years under the National Handloom Development Programme. This initiative aims to promote and enhance the production of local handicraft goods in the state.
In addition to this funding, Rs 2.84 lakhs have also been provided to Jammu and Kashmir under the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS). This funding is intended to assist artisans in establishing units with modern infrastructure, offering adequate training, incorporating the latest technology, and enhancing human resource development.
With substantial funding and consistent promotional efforts, official documents show that the export of handicrafts from Jammu and Kashmir has increased by more than 50 per cent over the past two years.
It has been reported that handicrafts worth Rs 1,116.37 crore were exported in the fiscal year 2022-23, compared to Rs 563.13 crore in the fiscal year 2021-22.
In the past year, shawl exports have witnessed the most significant growth, reaching a value of Rs 424.20 crore compared to Rs 165.98 crore in 2021-22. Carpet exports have also seen a significant increase of Rs 106.15 crore, with exports totaling Rs 357.21 crore in 2022-23, as opposed to Rs 251.05 crore in 2021-22.
Chain stitch exports have experienced a substantial jump, with figures rising to Rs 284.46 crore in the last fiscal year compared to Rs 79.56 crore in 2021-22.
Official documents claim that this year, the government has expanded its number of exhibitions across the country to promote Kashmir’s handicrafts on a larger scale.
While exhibitions were limited in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 50 exhibitions are planned for the current year.
“Many exhibitions have already been held in various states of India. We received a great response for Kashmir handicrafts during the recent G20 summit at SKICC, promoting our handicrafts in different countries around the world,” an official said.
Notably, the Department of Industries and Commerce, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization, recently hosted the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Textile Sourcing Fair, 2023,’ with over 100 exhibitors showcasing their crafts.
“More exhibitions are scheduled for the autumn and winter, which are expected to significantly boost our exports compared to the previous year,” the official added.
Earlier this year, the government of Jammu and Kashmir notified 21 additional crafts from Kashmir as “Notified Handicrafts” to support local artisans. (KNO)
