SRINAGAR: Manik Batra, Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council, met Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, during her industry interaction in Srinagar, where she was accompanied by the Commissioner/Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, J&K Government.
Batra raised several critical interventions to accelerate the growth of Jammu & Kashmir’s handicrafts and textile sector, while welcoming the opportunities arising from the recently negotiated UK–India Free Trade Agreement.
He proposed organizing buyer–seller meets in collaboration with the UK Embassy to directly connect J&K artisans with global buyers, especially for pashmina, carpets, and papier-mâché products.
Key suggestions made by the ASSOCHAM J&K Chairman included:
- Upgradation of the Craft Development Institute (CDI), Srinagar, into a Centre of Excellence for design, training, certification, and branding to boost product innovation and global positioning.
- Enhanced access to affordable finance, including low-interest loans, export credit support, and credit guarantees for artisans and small weavers to meet export demand.
- Establishment of a dedicated Trade Facilitation Centre in J&K to streamline documentation, logistics, and quality certification, reducing costs and delays for exporters.
- Full integration of Jammu Dry Port with the export ecosystem to provide customs clearance, warehousing, and faster shipment routes, cutting logistics costs significantly.
Highlighting the need for policy and infrastructure support, Batra said:
“Jammu & Kashmir’s handicrafts and textiles are world-famous for their quality and uniqueness. With proper support in finance, infrastructure, and international marketing, our artisans can achieve remarkable growth. ASSOCHAM J&K Council will continue to work with the government to strengthen this vital sector and ensure it reaches global markets more effectively.”
