SRINAGAR: Kashmir’s globally acclaimed handicraft sector has demonstrated notable resilience amid international economic headwinds, registering exports worth Rs 410 crore in the first two quarters of FY 2025-26 and reaffirming its role as a key economic and cultural pillar of Jammu and Kashmir.
Official data states that handicraft exports from the Union Territory stood at Rs 310 crore during Q1 (April-June 2025) and Rs 100 crore in Q2 (July-September 2025). While figures for the third quarter (October-December) are awaited and expected in January 2026, officials said export momentum has remained steady despite geopolitical tensions and global market volatility.
Officials also noted that historically, the third and fourth quarters tend to be more buoyant for the handicraft sector owing to increased international demand, festive-season orders and winter market cycles, raising expectations of improved export performance in the latter half of the financial year.
During the previous fiscal year (FY 2024-25), JK recorded total handicraft exports of Rs 733 crore.
Officials from the department are optimistic about surpassing this figure in the current financial year, factoring in expectations of easing global disruptions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East.
Kashmir’s traditional handicrafts including pashmina shawls, hand-knotted carpets, papier-mâché, walnut wood carving, crewel embroidery and chain-stitch products continue to sustain thousands of artisan families across Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal and South Kashmir, preserving centuries-old craftsmanship while contributing significantly to the local economy.
Officials said demand from Gulf countries, Europe and North America has remained consistent, supported by quality upgradation, product diversification and targeted market outreach.
Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Mussarat Islam said, “We expect an improvement in overall exports this year, particularly as global conflicts show signs of easing. Efforts are underway to identify and tap new niche markets, alongside a strong focus on GI QR labelling to enhance authenticity and global trust in handmade Kashmir crafts.”
The Director said artisans have adapted to evolving market demands through modern design inputs, improved quality standards and better finishing, while maintaining the traditional identity of Kashmiri crafts.
He acknowledged challenges such as high logistics costs, competition from machine-made imitations and the need for deeper supply-chain digitisation. Measures including cluster-based support, artisan insurance and export facilitation schemes are being pursued to enhance long-term competitiveness.
Industry experts believe the current export performance reflects renewed confidence in Kashmir’s handicraft sector following pandemic-era disruptions. With the traditionally stronger third and fourth quarters still ahead, stakeholders remain hopeful that FY 2025-26 will close with robust export numbers, reinforcing Kashmir’s position as a global hub of handcrafted excellence. (JKNS)
