Category: BUSINESS

38 artisans to be honoured for keeping craft heritage alive

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 24: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department is all set to confer the annual UT Artisan Awards for the year 2024 amongst the selected craft-persons, who have kept the famed handicrafts legacy alive in Jammu & Kashmir.

Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who is also Minister In-Charge Industries & Commerce, shall distribute the coveted awards here at the picturesque SKICC on November 25, in presence of the Commissioner/ Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh.

In a press release issued here today, a spokesman of the Department stated that 38 artisans and weavers, 20 from Kashmir and 18 from Jammu Division respectively, shall be conferred with the prestigious UT Artisan Awards in different notified crafts, who have been selected by the Government. “All arrangements have been made at SKICC Auditorium for the gala function. The award for the artisans shall accompany a citation and cash prizes of ₹50,000, ₹30,000 & ₹20,000 for first three places in each craft,” he added.

Identifying welfare of artisans and weavers as the primary objective of the department, the spokesman asserted that the coveted annual Artisan Awards distribution is an effort of the Government to recognize the contribution of our artisan community who toil hard to keep the handicrafts heritage alive in Jammu & Kashmir. “Apart from UT Aryisan Awards, which are given out annually, our artisans have regularly brought laurels for J&K by winning the prestigious Padma and Shilp Guru Awards at the national level. “Even in the international arena, our artisans have distinguished themselves by capturing the eyes of the art connoisseurs,” he added.

The spokesman further stated that the selection of entries for UT Artisan Awards for the year 2025 is already in process.

BENGALURU, NOVEMBER 21: Startups supported by the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) participated in the prestigious Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025, held in Bangalore from November 18 to 20, 2025.

This year’s edition was one of the largest ever, with organisers reporting participation from more than 10,000 startups representing 60 countries. The J&K startups began their showcase with a high-energy Day 1, marked by strong engagement with industry leaders, potential partners and sector experts.

The summit, featuring international exhibitors from Italy, Russia, Israel, Germany, Australia and Korea, offered unmatched exposure, learning and global networking opportunities for the participating entrepreneurs from J&K. The J&K pavilion attracted a huge crowd, drawing praise, curiosity and appreciation from the visitors and global participants.

Seven J&K startups supported by JKEDI participated in the 3-day long Tech Summit.

A key highlight was the visit of Ari Gargir, CEO and Founder of RED C Biotech, who interacted with the J&K startup founders and showed keen interest in their innovative solutions. Besides, interactions with the Industry Leaders was the spotlight of the event where Sheenmart E-Com, a JKEDI-sponsored startup, held promising discussions with AutoL Korea, a global leader in compact long-range LiDAR technology. The dialogue focused on exploring collaborative opportunities in advanced sensing and smart mobility solutions.

Entrepreneur Sheikh Yameen of Curv Electric (Heaventure Adventures Limited) engaged with Micheal Nenner, CEO of Charge, on technology integration aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles. SCANIMO Technologies, a promising startup from J&K established a technical connect with Jio Mart Retail Stores who evinced interest to integrate the former’s technology in their stores.

Throughout the summit, the startups from J&K attracted the visitors and potential partners, establishing meaningful connections and working to translate these engagements into tangible collaborations. Parallel meetings and networking sessions took place as the J&K delegation proactively explored opportunities for growth and strategic partnerships.

Officials from the Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Business Modelling (CIIBM) a program vertical of JKEDI including Faheem ul Din Malik, Associate Project Manager (APM), JKEDI and Sorab Mengi, Assistant Manager (F&A), JKEDI attended the summit, facilitating the interaction between startups and the industry leaders, under the overall supervision of the Secretary Industries and Commerce Department and Director, JKEDI, Khalid Jahangir. They also discussed the prospective knowledge sharing and collaborations with the counterparts like Startup Tamil Nadu in the future.

The startups, supported by Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) shared their experiences and key takeaways. They applauded the role of JKEDI for being the prospective enabler between the vast startup market place and the aspiring entrepreneurs of the UT of J&K.

The presence of JKEDI-supported startups at BTS 2025 reflects the growing innovation capability and entrepreneurial drive emerging from Jammu & Kashmir. The JKEDI remains committed towards empowering startups and helping them compete, collaborate and grow on national and global platforms.

Srinagar, November 20: Riding high on the resounding success of the first three ‘Know Your Artisan’ (KYA) events in October, which captivated crowds at iconic venues like Polo View Market, Jhelum Riverfront, and Ghanta Ghar with live demonstrations and direct artisan engagements; the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir (DOHHK) today unveiled the ‘Know Your Artisan’ Craft Carnival.

The 3-day extravaganza commenced at the picturesque Sher-e-Kashmir Park on Residency Road, under the aggressive branding campaign ‘Soulful Kashmir’.

The event was inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, who lauded the department’s endeavors in spotlighting the Valley’s timeless crafts.

Speaking on the occasion, the Div Com highlighted the transformative potential of such exhibitions. He commended the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir for organizing this carnival.

He said Initiatives like ‘Know Your Artisan’ are essential to bring our master artisans to the forefront, providing them a deserving platform to showcase Kashmir’s rich craft and heritage to both locals and global audiences. “These programs not only revive our traditions but also empower our artisans economically, ensuring their skills endure for generations”, he added.

He stated that exports of Handicrafts & Handlooms has doubled since last four years which has increased the income of artisans.

This carnival arrives in the triumphant aftermath of Srinagar’s dual global accolades including its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2021 and as the 63rd World Craft City under the World Crafts Council (WCC) network in 2024.

These honors underscore the city’s unparalleled heritage in handicrafts from intricate Pashmina weaving and hand-knotted carpets to papier-mache and walnut wood carvings, positioning Srinagar as a beacon for cultural preservation and innovation on the world stage.

The event witnessed a huge gathering of top-level officers, alongside key Department officials, all witnessing the unveiling of 36 meticulously curated stalls. These feature an exhaustive array of GI-registered crafts, such as authentic Pashmina, Kani shawls, and Kashmiri carpets, alongside products notified under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and the District Export Hub (DEH) initiative.

Complementing the displays are immersive live demonstration sections, where artisans unveil the labor-intensive secrets of their trades, and interactive ‘Try Your Hand’ zones inviting the public to engage hands-on with techniques like chain-stitch embroidery, Pashmina weaving and walnut wood carving.

Enthusiastic visitors, locals, tourists, families, and craft enthusiasts, flocked to the venue, infusing the autumnal canopy of Chinar trees with palpable energy.

The carnival aligns with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visionary initiatives of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, fostering self-reliance by promoting indigenous crafts as engines of economic growth, sustainable tourism, and global exports.

By bridging artisans directly with consumers through fair-priced stalls, it champions ‘Vocal for Local,’ creating viable market linkages and countering counterfeit threats while celebrating the human stories behind each creation.

Mussarat Islam, Director of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir on the occasion said, “This carnival is a pivotal chapter in our aggressive push to revive and commercialize Kashmir’s handicrafts, empowering over 3.80 lakh artisans through GI enforcement, skill training, and branding workshops. In the wake of Srinagar’s UNESCO and WCC recognitions, we are not just showcasing crafts but weaving a narrative of harmony, innovation, and cultural co-existence that resonates with the ‘Vocal for Local’ spirit.”

The Department urged the public to visit the venue over the next two days, immerse in the artistry, and make purchases that directly uplift our artisans.

As the event unfolds, it promises a soul-stirring display of diverse crafts, traditional Kashmiri folk music, storytelling sessions sharing generational lore, and workshops blending heritage with contemporary design.

CM underscores entrepreneurship as the driving force of J&K’s future growth

KULGAM, NOVEMBER 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a two-day J&K Business & Trade Fair organised by the District Administration Kulgam in collaboration with Mission YUVA.

The fair aims to promote entrepreneurship and provide a platform for business innovation and growth for businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.

After formally inaugurating the event, the Chief Minister inspected various stalls established by entrepreneurs and business establishments. He interacted with the participants and lauded their contribution towards promoting business enterprises and generating livelihood opportunities in the district.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that while the government is working to create jobs, it is not possible to provide government employment to everyone. Therefore, it is essential to create self-employment avenues, and schemes like Mission YUVA have been devised to fulfil this objective. He emphasised that banks must ensure smooth disbursement of cases under various entrepreneurship schemes and assured budding entrepreneurs of all possible support from the government. He added that the aim of Mission Youth is to empower young people to explore innovative ideas, build sustainable businesses, contribute to the region’s economic progress, and evolve into job creators.

The Chief Minister noted that trade fairs play a crucial role in strengthening the economy by offering emerging entrepreneurs opportunities to showcase their talent, connect with wider markets, and expand their business networks.

During the event, the Chief Minister visited entrepreneur stalls, business units, and departmental exhibits and interacted with the participants. He also distributed sanction letters to beneficiaries under Mission YUVA scheme.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, said that youth are actively participating in entrepreneurship schemes. She informed that many beneficiaries have already been identified and numerous cases approved. She stressed the need for smooth processing of cases to maximise the benefits and urged youth to avail themselves of these opportunities.

MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami, encouraged young people to seize every opportunity to build prosperous and progressive lives.

The programme was attended by Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo; DDC Chairperson Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey; MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami; MLA Devsar, Peerzada Feroz Ahmad; Secretary Labour and Employment, Kumar Rajiv Ranjan; Secretary in Information Department, Muneer Ul Islam; DDC Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan; Mission Director, Mission YUVA, Shadab Aalam; other senior officers; representatives of business organisations; entrepreneurs; and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Capacity-building completion certificates were distributed, Mission YUVA sanction letters were handed over to beneficiaries, and MoUs were exchanged between Mission YUVA and ONDC.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Athar Aamir Khan presented the welcome address and highlighted the aim of organising the two-day fair. Mission Director Shahzad Aalam presented the vote of thanks and highlighted achievements under Mission YUVA.

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 18: The Innovation and Incubation centre of the Islamia college of Science and Commerce Srinagar in collaboration with the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) PPDC, Extension centre Srinagar organised a one day seminar on ‘Tech Innovative intervention in Kashmir Handicrafts’ in the college today.

The seminar was attended by HOD Arts IASE, Srinagar, Arshad Sauleh, and renowned artist of Kashmir; Ajaz Hussian , Faculty Robotics and Automation Ministry of MSME PPDC Srinagar, Faculty NIFT Srinagar, Designer and Founder of Studio Kilab, artisans of paper mache of shah-er- Khas , faculty and students of the college, and the staff of Design Innovation Centre (DIC), Central University of Kashmir.

The seminar’s focus was to educate artisans on integrating technology in Paper Mache, anticipating and overcoming challenges by exploring innovative designs for newer product possibilities.

Principal of the college, Prof. (Dr.) Tehmina Yousuf, lauded the seminar for its educative and transforming role for artisans of Kashmir Handicrafts. In her address, she reiterated the commitment of the college to support the Handicraft artisans of the Kashmir in general and that of shah-er- Khas in particular for value addition of their products to remain market relevant and sensitized the students for future endeavour in handicrafts with integration of technology.

Convenor IIC of the college briefed the audience of the activities and programs that the college has been holding since the inception of the IIC in the college for promotion of the culture of entrepreneurship, innovation and start-ups among the student community. He presented a thorough introduction about the Paper Mache craft in the Kashmir valley.

During the programme, the participants were apprised about already existing technology like 5 axis CNC machine and Wire EDM machine that are used to make Paper Mache moulds and designs.

Meanwhile, an interactive session was held which witnessed a threadbare discussion about the existing technology for Paper Mache and its pros and cons. The artisans identified the problems they faced while using existing technology. In the light of discussions held, the experts pointed out ways that should be incorporated in the existing technology for its optimisation and result orientation.

The interaction session joined by Ajaz Hussain, Dr. Yasir Ahmad Mir, and Burhan-u-din Khateeb. The famous artisan among participants included Syed Sajad Hamdani, Ali Mohammed Banka, Shabir Ahmad Mir, Fayaz Ahmad Sofi, Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat and Abdul Majeed Dar.

The entire seminar proceedings were conducted by Tanzeel, English literature 5th Semester student. The seminar ended by presentation of Vote of Thanks by Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Jhat, Convenor IIC.

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 17: A student led start up “M/s FaimFarms P Ltd” mentored under the SKUAST K Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship (SKIIE) Centre Shalimar Srinagar has been awarded a Rs 5 lakh grant in aid by ICAR Pusa, New Delhi, in recognition of its promising and disruptive innovation in the Agriculture sector.

The grant, sanctioned under ICAR’s support for youth led agricultural innovations, will be used to advance the start up’s ongoing work on a Ready to Eat/Serve centric innovation developed at SKUAST K Innovation Centre in support with Division of Food Sciences & Technology.

The Funding will support prototype refinement, field validation, and early stage commercialization activities, enabling the team to translate research into practice and benefit farmers and other stakeholders in the region.

Vice Chancellor SKUAST K, Prof Nazir A Ganai Congratulated the Young Student led Startup Founders of M/s FaimFarms P Ltd setting their goals and achieving the feat and for taking the mission and vision of SKUAST K forward. He also congratulated the Director and Team SKIIE Centre and all mentors across faculties and different labs of University.

Chief Executive Officer/Head, SKIIE Centre, said that the success of the student start up reflects SKUAST K’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among our students and researchers.

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 14: Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Jammu & Kashmir, Vikramjit Singh today received an award on behalf of J&K Government for emerging as one of the top achievers under Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2024 at Udyog Samagam 2025, New Delhi.

The award was presented by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal,.

The Union Government, through Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2024, assessed States and Union Territories across 25 reform areas driving ease of doing business. The BRAP 2024 assessment, covering 434 reform points, was supported by one of the largest national feedback exercises, involving over 5.8 lakh businesses and more than 1.3 lakh detailed interviews.

Jammu and Kashmir ranked as a Top Achiever with 5th rank amongst all States and UTs with top score in 4/5 critical reform areas. This accolade reflects Jammu & Kashmir Government’s commitment in creating a robust and enabling business ecosystem that accelerates industrial growth, facilitates investments, and ensures regulatory transparency and efficiency.

The recognition at Udyog Samagam 2025 reinforces J&K’s position as a preferred destination for investors and industry stakeholders. Udyog Samagam 2025 brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and state officials to celebrate the spirit of cooperative federalism and collective progress in India’s industrial landscape.

Direct-to-Consumer Sales Platform for World-Famous Pashmina, Kani Shawls, Silk Carpets & more

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 13: In order to provide direct marketing linkage, as many as 35 artisans and weavers from Kashmir are participating in the 44th edition of the prestigious India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2025, scheduled from November 14 to 27 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), IITF is country’s biggest and most celebrated trade-cum-consumer fair, attracting lakhs of visitors annually.

In a press statement issued here today, a spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handlooms Department, Kashmir, stated that on the requisition of Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization, a list of 35 artisans and weavers from Kashmir Division, after draw of lots, was forwarded for participation in the Trade Fair which includes 05 each from Srinagar and Budgam, 03 each from Baramulla, Ganderbal, Anantnag & Bandipora, 02 each from Kupwara, Shopian, Pulwama & Kulgam, and 05 from within the registered Cooperative Societies.

The spokesman further stated that IITF at New Delhi will provide globally-acclaimed Kashmir artisans a direct marketing opportunity for displaying and selling their wide range of exquisite handmade products to domestic and international buyers which include Pashmina and Kani Shawls, Sozni & Crewel embroidery, Hand-knotted Silk Carpets, Walnut Wood Carving and Papier Mache items.

“This is a golden opportunity for our artisans to connect directly with the buyers. IITF 2025 will not only elevate Kashmir’s GI-tagged handicrafts on a global platform but also empower our craftsmen economically by ensuring they retain the full value of their labour,” the spokesman added.

Looms specially designed, offering back-rest and suitable seating arrangement

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 06: Close on the heels of distribution of 100 Modified Modern Steel Looms amongst the carpet weavers, the Union Ministry of Textiles has sanctioned ₹51.00 lakh for procurement and distribution of 100 more looms under the ‘Wool Processing Scheme’ of the Central Wool Development Board.

Each loom costing ₹51,000 has been specially designed by the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar, which provides a suitable back-rest and comfort seating arrangement for the weavers.

Sharing details in a press statement issued here today, Director IICT, Srinagar, Zubair Ahmad, thanked the Ministry of Textiles for sanctioning additional 100 Modified Modern Steel Carpet Looms amongst the active weavers for the current financial year 2025-26. “These looms are modified, keeping in view the health concerns of the weavers, who sit for long hours for weaving of the world-famous hand-knotted Kashmir carpets,” he stated.

Director IICT further stated that the Ministry of Textiles has already released the first tranche of ₹30.60 lakh for procurement of the looms. “Once the UC for first instalment is issued, the remaining two instalments shall also be released for procurement and distribution of looms amongst the intended beneficiaries,” he added.

The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, has advised the interested carpet weavers to approach the offices of Assistant Director Handicrafts/ Handloom, in Kashmir Division for the completion of the requisite formalities.

Srinagar, November 3: Institute of Business and Policy Research (IBPR), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), kick started a two-day inception workshop on “Federation Ecosystem for Rural Business and Service Hubs (RBSHs)” under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP-04) from November 3-4, 2025 at the University’s Shalimar Campus.

The workshop was inaugurated by Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, Director, Horticulture Planning and Marketing, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Prof Shabir A Wani, former Director, Planning and Monitoring, SKUAST-K, was the Guest of Honour. The event brought together a diverse group of experts, academicians, field officers, and representatives from emerging RBSHs across Kashmir to deliberate on building a robust, federated ecosystem to accelerate rural enterprise development and agri-business transformation.

In his address, Prof Farhat Ahmad Shaheen, Head, IBPR, and Principal Investigator, HADP# 04, emphasized that the Federation of RBSHs will act as a backbone for decentralized rural development, bridging primary producers with markets, services, and value networks. Presenting the Federation Framework Model, Prof. Shaheen outlined a hub-and-spoke approach to connect individual RBSHs with sectoral experts, agri-input manufacturing firms, digital service providers, and academic institutions to enhance efficiency and market outreach. He highlighted the importance of synergizing policy, practice, and grassroots entrepreneurship, stressing that “building dialogue between policymakers, practitioners, and rural entrepreneurs is crucial for transforming agricultural trade and service ecosystems.” He urged all stakeholders to focus on scalable, innovation-driven business models that empower youth, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen local economies through collaboration and enterprise.

Prof. Shabir A. Wani, in his remarks, lauded IBPR’s vision and leadership in conceptualizing the Federation Model as a scalable and replicable pathway for sustainable rural growth. He emphasized the need for evidence-based planning, integrated development strategies, and long-term sustainability models to empower RBSHs as self-sustaining, dynamic rural enterprises.

Addressing the participants, Shri Ghulam Jeelani Zargar underscored the transformative potential of RBSHs in reshaping the rural economy by enabling last-mile delivery of agricultural services, technology, and business solutions. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment under HADP to foster entrepreneurial networks and promote institutional convergence among public agencies, private stakeholders, and rural communities.

Dr. Abid Sultan, Scientist, IBPR, and Workshop Coordinator, presented the detailed structure of the workshop, highlighting the thematic sessions on Federation Governance, Business Mapping, Knowledge Integration, and Capacity Building Strategies, and delivered the formal vote of thanks. Ms. Aiman Fayaz, Young Professional, HADP-04, coordinated the workshop proceedings.

The workshop reflected IBPR SKUAST-K’s strong commitment to transforming the agricultural marketing ecosystem by fostering innovation, integration, and rural enterprise development. It reaffirmed the institute’s vision of building a federated, market-led, and technology-driven rural economy under the HADP framework.