Srinagar, Mar 09: The Jammu and Kashmir government stated that the department of Handicrafts and Handloom has issued 55,113 Geographical Indication (GI) labels to date, aiming to promote and protect the UT’s traditional handicrafts.
This information was provided in a written response by the Industries and Commerce Minister Surinder Choudhary, after MLA Mubarak Gul raised a question in the assembly regarding the promotion of handicrafts. The minister said that J&K’s handicrafts are globally renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, intricate designs, and rich cultural heritage, attracting both domestic and international buyers.
“The government has secured GI certification for 10 crafts—seven from Kashmir Division and three from Jammu Division. Besides, 12 more crafts (eight from Kashmir and four from Jammu) are in the pipeline for GI registration with the GI Registry, Chennai,” the reply states. “GI certification provides legal recognition to products linked to a specific geographical region, ensuring authenticity and preventing imitation by non-local producers.
To further authenticate handmade products, the government said that testing, certification, and QR coding are conducted at Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) Lab, Pashmina Quality Testing & Certification Centre (PTQCC), and Craft Development Institute, Srinagar.
“The government has launched various marketing campaigns to globally showcase J&K’s handicrafts. As part of this initiative, 395 Craft Safaris have been organized since 2021 across 10 routes in Kashmir, bringing travellers and art lovers in direct contact with artisans and weavers,” the reply reads
The government also said that the Handicrafts and Handloom Department is also taking steps to formalize trade by actively registering dealers and hawkers. So far, 996 handicrafts dealers have been registered or renewed, while 759 inspections have been conducted, leading to Rs 1.99 lakh in penalties and 15 warning notices against erring dealers selling counterfeit products.
“The government has also facilitated the participation of artisans and entrepreneurs from J&K in national exhibitions and trade fairs. Over the last three years, 1,626 exhibitors took part in 37 national exhibitions and nine trade fairs within J&K, generating total sales of Rs 23.14 crore and 40,861 business leads,” he said. Moreover, the J&K Textile Sourcing Fair (B2B Event) saw 34 international buyers and 22 domestic buyers, leading to sales and potential orders worth Rs 10.84 crore.
