JAMMU: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has intensified efforts to promote the export of its world-renowned handicrafts through a series of initiatives aimed at expanding market access, enhancing quality, and providing financial assistance to artisans and exporters. Recognising the global appeal of Kashmiri handicrafts, the Industries and Commerce Department has implemented policies to strengthen traditional industries, increase exports, and ensure the sustainability of the sector. In the past financial year, significant exports were recorded across various product categories, with carpets amounting to Rs 4,701.74 lakh, woollen shawls at Rs 1,674.84 lakh, papier-mâché at Rs 1,715.46 lakh, chain stitch and crewel work at Rs 83.81 lakh, and wood carving at Rs 1,227.63 lakh.
To support artisans and entrepreneurs, the government has introduced the Export Subsidy Scheme 2021, which offers an incentive of 10 per cent of the total export volume of handicraft and handloom products, with a maximum reimbursement of Rs 5 crore per exporter. This initiative aims to encourage large-scale exports and boost the financial viability of handicraft businesses. To strengthen global market reach, artisans and businesses from Jammu and Kashmir have participated in 37 national trade fairs and nine international expos over the last three financial years. These events have facilitated 1626 exhibitors and generated total sales worth Rs 2,314.21 lakh, with 40,861 potential business leads recorded. Additionally, two Jammu and Kashmir Trade Shows have been organised in Jammu and Srinagar, bringing together buyers and sellers under one roof. The Jammu and Kashmir Textile Sourcing Fair, a B2B event, has also been a major success, with 34 international buyers and 22 domestic buyers participating, leading to confirmed and potential orders exceeding Rs 10 crore.
To modernise sales and marketing, the government has conducted 18 e-commerce onboarding drives in collaboration with platforms such as GeM, ONDC, Amazon, and Flipkart. This has enabled artisans, self-help groups (SHGs), and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to tap into global demand through digital sales channels. The Handloom and Handicrafts Department operates 561 training centres across Jammu and Kashmir, providing skill development to unemployed youth. The Karkhandar Scheme 2023, a government-sponsored initiative, trains artisans and weavers in entrepreneurship under expert craftspersons. Since its inception, 160 units have been established under this scheme, with Rs 23.76 lakh disbursed for its implementation.
The government has obtained GI certification for 10 crafts, including seven from Kashmir and three from Jammu. Efforts are underway to secure certification for 12 more crafts. To ensure authenticity, 55,113 GI labels have been issued, and products are being tested, certified, and QR-coded at the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) and the Pashmina Quality Testing & Certification Centre (PTQCC) in Srinagar. Srinagar has been recognised as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Art (2021) and has been accredited as a World Craft City (2024) by the World Craft Council. To capitalise on this status, 395 Craft Safaris have been organised, allowing tourists to engage directly with artisans.
To ensure financial stability, the government has launched multiple schemes, including the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans and Weavers, providing loans of up to Rs 2 lakh with 7 per cent interest subvention, the Weavers MUDRA Scheme, offering loans for a three-year period with a 6 per cent interest subsidy, and the Financial Support Scheme for Cooperatives, providing aid of Rs 1 lakh to newly registered cooperatives under the Self-Reliant Act, 1999. In the last four years, Rs 5,005.47 lakh has been disbursed under the Credit Card Scheme, and Rs 3,855.95 lakh under the Weavers MUDRA Scheme.
To combat counterfeit handicrafts, the government has implemented stringent quality control measures, including the registration of 996 handicraft dealers and hawkers. Additionally, 759 inspections have been conducted, resulting in Rs 1.99 lakh in penalties and 15 warning notices being issued. The Jammu and Kashmir government remains committed to preserving and expanding its handicrafts sector through export promotion, financial aid, market integration, and quality assurance. These initiatives aim to solidify Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a global hub for authentic handicrafts while providing economic empowerment to artisans and weavers.
