SRINAGAR: The government has sanctioned funds for the refurbishment and installation of a high-capacity carding machine at the UNDP wing, marking a significant push to modernise wool processing and sustain one of the Valley’s most iconic yet dwindling crafts.
The intervention comes under the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) budget and is part of a broader policy focus on strengthening the infrastructure and long-term viability of the handloom and handicrafts sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
Namdha, a centuries-old textile tradition involving the felting and embroidery of woollen fabric, has suffered a prolonged decline in recent decades. Artisans cite a lack of processing infrastructure, rising input costs, and the labour-intensive nature of manual carding and felting as key deterrents to continuing the trade.
Officials say that the modernised carding machine is expected to address these constraints head-on. By reducing manual labour and significantly cutting down processing time, the facility is projected to enhance productivity and make the craft economically sustainable once again.
“The availability of an advanced carding unit will not only ease the burden on artisans but also boost their capacity to meet the growing domestic and international demand for Namdha products. It’s a crucial step toward making the craft viable and attractive to the younger generation, ” Mirza Shahid Ali, a senior officer working on the UNDP project, said.
He added that the machine’s installation and operationalisation would be completed in a time-bound manner, with training programmes rolled out to ensure artisans are well-equipped to adapt to the new processes. “This move aligns with the Government’s broader vision to revive languishing crafts, with Namdha recognised as a flagship craft,” Ali said.
Officials also underline that beyond production gains, the move is a cultural intervention aimed at preserving the rich legacy of Namdha, which carries deep historical and aesthetic significance in the region. Once a staple of elite households and exported as a prized Kashmiri good, Namdha has in recent years seen a sharp drop in both production and practitioners.
With the revamped infrastructure, the government hopes to restore both prestige and economic value to the craft. Hundreds of artisans who depend on Namdha are expected to benefit directly through better income, upgraded working conditions, and stronger market linkages.
The development is being viewed as part of a wider cultural and economic revitalisation effort in Kashmir, where traditional industries are increasingly seen not just as heritage concerns but as vehicles for sustainable employment and local entrepreneurship.
