JAMMU, OCT 3: The Department of Industries and Commerce J&K has achieved yet another milestone by getting the Geographical Indication Tag for Basohli Pashmina, after Basohli Paintings and Rajouri Chikri Wood. The feat was achieved in coordination with NABARD Jammu & Human Welfare Association, Varanasi.
Basohli Pashmina is a more than 100-year-old traditional craft of the Basohli area of district Kathua of Jammu division. It’s hand-spun, known for extreme softness, fineness and lightweight, has insulating properties & extended life. All these qualities make it unique & promises enhanced sale of Pashmina products. Pashmina products include shawls (ladies/gents), mufflers, blankets, baskets etc.
The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom Jammu under the leadership of Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce Department, Vikramjeet Singh, and Director Handicrafts and Handloom Jammu, Dr Vikas Gupta, initiated steps to revive the centuries-old languishing craft of Basohli Pashmina by way of filing its GI tag, establishing common Facility Centres for Basohli Pashmina weavers, increasing the periphery of registered pashmina weavers as well as Cooperative societies, developing clusters and providing benefits of various departmental schemes to the Basohli Pashmina weavers.
The artisans and weavers of the Jammu Division have expressed their gratitude to the J&K UT Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary for this much-awaited present.
