SRINAGAR: The central government has pledged support for an international handicraft exhibition in Srinagar, set to take place in September-October 2025, in a bid to revive Kashmir’s struggling handicraft sector. The initiative aims to connect local artisans and exporters directly with global markets, offering a much-needed boost to an industry that has witnessed a sharp decline in exports, affecting thousands of livelihoods.
The assurance came from Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, during a meeting with a delegation from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), led by its president. The chamber highlighted key challenges facing the sector, including the need for modern marketing strategies, the preservation of traditional craftsmanship, and enhanced infrastructure for Geographical Indication (GI) tagging to protect authentic Kashmiri products.
A key proposal put forth by the KCCI was the establishment of a permanent, international-standard handicraft centre in Kashmir. This centre would serve as a year-round venue for exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, and cultural exchanges, providing artisans with sustained market access. The chamber also outlined its vision of increasing handicraft exports to Rs 3,000 crore within three years, emphasizing greater participation in trade fairs, adoption of modern technology, and stronger integration with e-commerce platforms.
The discussions also underscored the vital role of women artisans, who constitute a significant part of the workforce, and the need for targeted initiatives to support their economic empowerment. Secretary Rao reaffirmed the Textile Ministry’s commitment to addressing these concerns and working collaboratively to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.
The meeting, which also included Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, was seen as a crucial step towards revitalizing Kashmir’s handicraft industry—a cultural and economic cornerstone of the region.
