NEW DELHI: The Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) has proposed setting up a Skilling Centre in Jammu and Kashmir, envisioned as a Centre of Excellence for Handicrafts, as part of its wider “Aggressive Export Promotion Mission 2026-27” aimed at accelerating India’s handicrafts exports.
The proposal was discussed at a meeting of the EPCH Committee of Administration held in New Delhi on August 20 under the chairmanship of Dr Neeraj Khanna, Chairman, EPCH.
According to EPCH, the proposed J&K centre would provide artisans, entrepreneurs and young professionals access to modern skills, design development, product innovation, technology and market-oriented training.
Arshad Mir, Member, Committee of Administration, EPCH, said the endeavour was to develop the facility as a Centre of Excellence where traditional craftsmanship would be complemented by contemporary design, quality standards, entrepreneurship and export readiness.
He said Jammu and Kashmir has a rich craft heritage and a strong base of skilled artisans, adding that the proposed centre could help preserve traditional skills while creating opportunities for product diversification, improved quality, better market linkages and increased participation of youth in the handicrafts sector.
The centre is also expected to support artisans and MSMEs in developing products suited for domestic as well as international markets, thereby creating sustainable livelihood and export opportunities in the region.
The J&K proposal forms part of EPCH’s broader export promotion strategy, which includes accelerated buyer mobilisation, market diversification, international promotion, strengthening existing markets and identifying new sourcing destinations.
India’s handicrafts exports during 2025-26 stood at ₹33,425.26 crore, while estimated exports during April-July 2026-27 reached ₹12,307.97 crore, registering growth of 12.79 per cent in rupee terms over the corresponding period of the previous year.
EPCH also discussed a series of cluster-level initiatives, including modernisation of the Jodhpur Basni centre, strengthening of facilities at Saharanpur, Agra and Moradabad, establishment of a testing laboratory at Firozabad, and a proposed fashion jewellery Common Facility Centre in Delhi-NCR.
The Council further proposed overseas warehousing and supply chain facilities in the European Union and the United States, besides enhanced support for exporters participating in major domestic trade fairs.
The meeting concluded with EPCH reaffirming its commitment to accelerating handicrafts exports and creating greater business opportunities for exporters, MSMEs and artisans across the country.
