Category: BUSINESS

Pashmina Lab augmented to enhance testing, QR coding

Over 17,000 women trained, paid ₹36 Cr stipend in last 4 yrs

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 22: The world-famous handicraft and handloom products worth ₹2,567 crore have been exported from Kashmir valley in the last two financial years and the first three quarters of the current fiscal.

However, the exports in the current financial year have been hit by global conflicts.

Giving details, a spokesperson of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, hoped that the exports are expected to touch cumulatively ₹3000 crore for 3 years, by the end of the last quarter of the CFY.

As per the figures available with the Department, while Kani and Sozni shawls lead exports worth ₹1105 crore, hand-knotted carpet exports stood at ₹728 crore in the last three years. The other products exported include crewel, papier mache, chain stitch and wood carving.

The spokesman further stated that the Department shall facilitate export of hand-made Kashmir products for which a subsidy scheme is available, giving incentive of 10% of the total volume of handloom/ handicraft export products to any country with maximum reimbursement up to ₹5 crore in favour of the eligible exporters registered with the Department,” he added.

Highlighting the Government’s strategy for welfare of artisan community, the spokesman said the Department has a well-established Design Studio in the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology and unique prototypes conceived by the School of Designs and Craft Development Institute. “The artisans can access these contemporary designs and packaging models to add value to their products in niche high-end markets,” he added.

For welfare of artisans, the Department has several flagship schemes in operation including Credit Card Scheme, Mudra, Financial Assistance Scheme for Cooperatives, Karkhandar Scheme and Education Scholarship for the children of craftsmen.

Under the National Wool Policy, the department has selected 100 weaver beneficiaries for distribution of free modified modern steel carpet looms in Kashmir ata total cost of Rs.43.70 lakh and the department will pitch for another 250 improvised looms for distribution in the next financial year.

Emphasizing upon the department’s focus on testing and QR coding of GI registered craft products to weed out sale of counterfeit products, the spokesperson stated that the department has augmented manpower and equipment at its premier Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC) and IICT lab for carpets. “The waitlist of 6 craft products including Sozni, Kani, Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, Papier Mache and Kashmir Pashmina at PTQCC has come down from 1700 on February 5 to 671 as on February 21, after strengthening of manpower,” he said, adding that the lab will be further strengthened after more staff shall undergo necessary training at the Wool Research Association, Thane.

He further stated that the proposal for additional equipment including Scanning Electron Microscope and a Digital Microscope have been submitted in the Union Ministry of Textiles, which shall further enhance the speed of testing and certification in PTQCC.

Laying stress upon promotion of training of female artisans, the spokesman stated that as many as 17,182 women have been trained in various crafts at 432 Elementary and Advanced Training Centres of the Department in the last 4 years. “Stipend to the tune of ₹36.27 crore has also been disbursed amongst these trainees,” he said, while describing training as the core activity of the Department, aimed at linking them with master craftsmen under the Karkandhar Scheme.

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 11: In a facilitative welfare move, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir has exclusively reserved every Friday of the week for labelling of famed Kashmir Handicraft products belonging to the artisan and weaver community in its Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC), here.

PTQCC is one-stop centre in Craft Development Institute (CDI) for branding and QR coding of 06 world-famous GI registered crafts of Kashmir Pashmina, Kani and Sozni embroidery, Khatamband Ceiling, Walnut Wood Carving and Papier Mache.

Giving details, a spokesperson of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, advised the artisans and weavers to approach PTQCC on Fridays to get their products certified and QR coded in a time-bound manner. “Friday has been specifically chosen as reserve day to facilitate the artisans and weavers who usually take their weekly off that day,” he added.

 

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 27: Union Ministry of Tourism today announced Aru village, part of Pahalgam in Anantnag, as one of the winners of prestigious ‘Best Tourism Villages of India’ award.

The announcement was made on the occasion of World Tourism Day.

Introduced in 2023, the Best Tourism Villages Competition aims to identify and recognize villages that preserve and promote their cultural and natural heritage through community based values and sustainable practices.

In the second edition of the competition, a total of 991 applications were received from 30 States and Union Territories. After a rigorous evaluation process, 36 villages were selected as winners across eight categories.

Aru village was declared Best Tourism Village in the “Adventure Tourism Category”. Recently, it has been noted for its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community-based tourism initiatives.

The recognition of Aru village as a ‘Best Tourism Village of India’ is a testament to its efforts in preserving and promoting its cultural and natural assets. It is expected to further boost tourism in the region and contribute to the local economy.

SIBTAIN MEHDI

SRINAGAR: Mehwar Style Solution, which deals in all types of shoes, bags, and accessories, opened its first outlet here at the 2nd floor, Jannat Complex, Hawal, in Srinagar on Tuesday.
A young entrepreneur from Kashmir, Ali Razvi, and a female entrepreneur from Kashmir, Maria Reshi, inaugurated the first outlet of Mehwar Style Solution.
The inauguration of the outlet was held amid much fanfare. The owner of the outlet was present there alongside invited dignitaries and guests.

With a game changer G 20 event, J&K fast emerging as destination for hosting major global, corporate events; Tourism Deptt makes necessary arrangements for the visit

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 28: In a major fillip to MICE tourism and in a historic development for the tourism industry of J&K, a group of global Beauty Divas visited Kashmir today, as a prelude to the Miss World pageant 2023 with Tourism Department making all necessary arrangements for the visit.

The group includes Miss World, Karolina Bielawska; Miss World Caribbean, Emmy Pena; Miss World America, Shree Saini; Miss World India, Sini Shetty; Miss World England, Jessica Gagen; Miss Asia, Pricilia Carla Saputri Yules; Chairman and CEO of Miss World Organization, Julia Eric Morley and her team; Ms. Rouble Negi, founder Rouble Negi Art Foundation.

The visit of these Beauty Divas was curated by the Tourism Department in collaboration with Rouble Nagi Art Foundation.

The visit of these celebrities is expected to give a further push to MICE tourism in J&K which is already witnessing a very encouraging scenario after the successful holding of 3rd Working Group meeting of G 20 countries here in May this year. The G 20 event which has proved to be a game changer and a transformative event for the local tourism has led to an increased footfall of foreign travellors visiting the UT which has gone up several notches after the successful event. Several national and international corporate bodies and companies have planned their events in UT and many high profile dignitaries have visited the region in the meantime.

In such a scenario, this visit by renowned beauty queens of the world to Kashmir is going to draw the attention of global tourism market to what J&K is offering in terms of natural beauty, corporate events, wedding tourism, local craft and cuisine besides positioning J&K as a destination to hold major global and corporate events. This is expected to upscale the local tourism, craft and economy like never before.

This positive turn around in the tourism scenario has been achieved with a focused direction and attention from Prime Minister, Narendra Modi whose personalized leadership has led to such a transformative change in the tourism sector of the UT. Home Minister, Amit Shah and Lt. Governor, Manoj Sinha have continuously been evaluating the progress of this positive change and guiding the Department in achieving the desired results.

The delegation held an informal chat with the media here.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman, PME, Jamil Saidi described Kashmir as the crowning jewel of India which has a special place for him. He said the majestic landscape and warm people here reminds him of unity in diversity. He thanked Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha and the Tourism Department for hosting them.

Replying to a question, Mr. Saidi said J&K is poised to host such major global beauty and corporate events for which he complimented the people concerned.

The visit of global Beauty Divas to Jammu & Kashmir promises to be a blend of elegance, artistry and cultural exchange. Embracing the ethos of art, culture, and international allure, the visit will not only showcase the region’s picturesque landscapes but also provide a global platform for local artists and artisans to interact.

During the visit, divas are expected to immerse themselves in Jammu and Kashmir’s scenic beauty and local artistry with an opportunity to engage with the local community, highlighting the region’s unique heritage.

SRINAGAR, JULY 07: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has notified 21 more crafts from Kashmir as “Notified Handicrafts” thereby acknowledging the scores of artisans’ associated with the crafts.
Notification of these crafts was a long pending demand of the artisans associated with these crafts and shall enable the artisans to gain a sense of pride and identity.
It shall also enable the department to register the artisans in the erstwhile left out crafts which shall in turn ensure preservation and protection of these traditional skills from being lost over time. By registering these artisans their knowledge and expertise shall be documented, ensuring their techniques and craftsmanship are safeguarded for future generations.
Besides, the artisans shall gain access to various government support programs which will help in increasing the number of genuine artisan community and such a measure will extend the benefits of the government schemes to the hitherto unrecognized artisan segments of the society by which they can avail the Artisan/Weavers Credit scheme, Karkhandar scheme, Assistance under the Cooperative Act, MUDRA Scheme and educational benefits for their kin’s.
The artisans shall be brought at par with other registered artisans to open up avenues for artisans to showcase and market their products to a wider audience by participation in exhibitions, trade fairs, and cultural events hosted by the department where they can promote and sell their crafts.
Notification of these crafts comes at the time when the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir is pitching hard for Geographical Indication (GI) of all the indigenous crafts of Kashmir.
The crafts which have been notified include, Sozni Embroidery, Staple Embroidery, Khatamband, Paper Pulp, Kharadi, Glazed Pottery, Katas, Copperware Engraving, Copperware Sakhta, Pottery, Calligraphy, Painting, Handicrafts Furniture, Handmade Aromatics, Handmade Soap, Filigree, Mosaic Craft, Wagguv, Shikara, Willow Bat, Innovative Crafts. Besides the 21 crafts of Kashmir, 10 crafts of Jammu have also been declared as “Notified Crafts”.
Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir expressed his satisfaction for inclusion of these crafts as Notified Crafts under the provision of the Jammu and Kashmir Handicrafts Quality Control Act 1978 which would address the demand of a wide sector of artisans who are associated with these crafts.
“We are taking several initiatives in reaching out to the artisans in Kashmir. Proactive marketing, curbs on fake handicraft products, special incentives to artisans and operationalizing of GI-system for Handicrafts are some of the major ongoing initiatives that are underway”, he said.

Terms the interaction as significant milestone in promotion of trade, exports

SRINAGAR, JUNE 02: India’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, today had an extensive interactive session with industry and trade associations of Kashmir to discuss and plan strategies towards exploring business opportunities between the regions.

The session, organized by Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), was aimed at providing a platform to foster stronger economic ties and explore mutually beneficial trade opportunities.

Managing Director, JKTPO, Khalid Jahangir, expressed gratitude to the ambassador for reaching out to the Trade and Industry partners of Jammu and Kashmir. He gave an overview about the prevailing trade scenario in the region with special reference to products having competitive advantage for export to Saudi Arabia.

The event brought together esteemed business leaders, entrepreneurs and representatives from various industry and trade associations of Kashmir, offering a unique opportunity to discuss and address the challenges being faced by the local business community.

Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, while speaking on the occasion, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral trade between UT of J&K and Saudi Arabia. He acknowledged the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of Kashmir and expressed his admiration for region’s contribution towards nation’s economy. He observed that unique and niche products of J&K have lot of potential as far as the markets of Saudi Arabia are concerned.

Responding to issues and concerns raised by the participants, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan praised the efforts of JKTPO in promoting trade and investment opportunities in Kashmir. He conveyed Embassy’s commitment towards supporting such initiatives.

He assured the participants that the Indian government is continuously working hard towards creating a conducive business environment for all to flourish their businesses. He added that necessary support is being extended for trade and investment activities especially for export of GI tagged products of Jammu & Kashmir. He assured to create business linkages for the exporters of J&K, adding that efforts would be made to organize delegation visits, B2B meets, exhibitions, road shows and related events in Saudi Arabia.

“This interaction marks a significant milestone in strengthening economic ties between the two regions. It reflects the shared commitment towards exploring new avenues of cooperation and leveraging the vast potential for trade and investment”, maintained the ambassador.

During the event, representatives from industry and trade associations of Kashmir presented their perspectives on key sectors including tourism, Handloom and Handicrafts, Agriculture, Food Processing and Horticulture. They highlighted the immense potential for collaboration and investment in these sectors, showcasing the unique products and services that Kashmir has to offer to Saudi Arabia.

The representatives from Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI),PHDCCI Kashmir, Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), CA Store Association, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Kashmir Carpet Cluster Development Organization (`KCCDO), Pampore Saffron Producers Association, Bat Manufacturing Association and various organizations dealing with Wood carving, Pashmina, Papermache products interacted with Ambassador and highlighted the need for collaboration between Jammu and Kashmir and Saudi business establishments.

The interaction also served as a platform for exchange of ideas and experiences among the attendees, fostering networking and partnership opportunities. Business leaders and entrepreneurs from Kashmir expressed keen interest in exploring collaborations with their Saudi Arabian counterparts and acknowledged the potential for growth and synergy between the two regions.

It was also suggested to promote tourism both inbound and outbound, adding that Fam trips, Golf tournaments can play a vital role in this regard.

Constitutes ADC headed Task Force to formulate the Action Plan

SRINAGAR MAY 25: In order to ensure smooth plying of traffic in Batamaloo area and facilitate the passengers, a meeting was held today under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad here at Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex.

Vice Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority, Haris Ahmad Handoo, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shabir Ahmad, Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, SP Traffic Tariq Ahmad, Chief Planning officer, Mohammad YAseen Lone, Superintending Engineer R&B, Sajad Naqeeb, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Raies Ahmad Bhat, SDM, West, Primroze Bashir, Tehsildar Headquarter, and other officers.

The meeting was held in light of the High Court directions regarding the representations of the various Unions of the Batamaloo Bus Stand.

At the outset, a detailed discussion was held related to the concerns raised by the Traders Association Batamaloo including problems being faced by wholesalers/distributors in supplying goods to dealers and intervention required for smooth movement of vehicles for supply of essential goods in the local markets, besides decongest the area and ensure smooth flow of traffic movement of pedestrians.

The Traders also demanded for designating a particular area for parking/stand of commercial vehicles in the area to facilitate the local wholesale traders and commuters visiting the market/Bus Stand which has been shifted to Parimpora few years back.

The Deputy Commissioner gave a patient hearing to the members of the trade delegation and assured them that they will look into the matter based on the directions of the High Court and will come out with a solution in order to improve the transportation facility in Batamaloo area so that local traders, commuters and public in general don’t face any difficulties.

On the occasion, the DC asked the Team headed by ADC to explore possibilities for addressing the issues of the Traders. He asked the officers to conduct field visits to the area and draft some pragmatic plan at the earliest.

SRINAGAR, MAY 24: With an aim to display the richness of arts & crafts reflecting the Jammu & Kashmir’s bountiful culture ,through their skills & art Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) Umeed market place & a Millet cafe put up in SKICC wowed the G20 delegates during the G20 summit held in Kashmir.

From exploring the mouth watering delicacies of Millet prepared by Umeed women to shopping for authentic handicraft of J&K from the Umeed marketplace, the foreign delegates were all praises for the warm hospitality of Jammu &Kashmir.

JKRLM’s core belief & objective is to empower women by providing them avenues of livelihood and at Umeed marketplace festive atmosphere celebrating women power was witnessed wherein the different livelihoods like Handicrafts, Willow Wicker items, Black cumin, Honey, value added products, Papermachie, Traditional Pottery, Basholi Paintings and other captivating items apart from this a separate “Millet Cafe” for foreign delegates was also set up at SKICC here.

Eight women entrepreneurs from Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) set up their vibrant stalls at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) to showcase their unique products and captivate the attention of G20 delegates, Whereas 12 SHG members were seen serving the mouth watering Millet based delicacies.

Delegates applauded the craft of Kashmiri women. The delegates were very happy to see the Umeed market place which had some agricultural produce (Saffron, Lavender) value added products (Soaps, Chabhri Binna) apart from the handicraft products made by women. These products were made by the self-help groups working under JKRLM throughout Jammu and Kashmir.

Explaining the purpose of the Umeed market place & Millet hub, Mission Director JKRLM, Indu Kanwal Chib stated, “Setting up the Umeed market place Millet Hub and Millet Cafe in SKICC was to give an exposure of international standard to the SHG women and reinforcing the spirit of strength & resilience.

To ensure authenticity, each showcased merchandise was affixed with a brochure that provided detailed information about the product. The participating women, hailing from different districts across J&K have been meticulously trained and empowered by JKRLM to become self-reliant.

G20 platform provided a golden opportunity for these women to showcase their talent and enabled the delegates to immerse themselves in the richness of traditional varieties of J&K, she added.

Under the leadership of Commissioner Secretary Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Mandeep Kaur, JKRLM has taken various transformational steps like SARAS and now G20 being one of the few.

Mission Director JKRLM said that Commissioner Secretary has inculcated creativity and market essence in SHG women participating in this event which otherwise also have been part of quite a learning process, Mission Director said.

Adding further she said that Under the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, JKRLM has touched new heights, the SHG products are available one e- commerce sites like Meesho further JKRLM has also ventured into service sector by collaborating with OYO for homestays.

The progressive journey of SHGs is a representation of transformation wherein JKRLM has ventured out in the past two years to fill up the marketing gaps and connect the buyers directly with SHGs. With the focus of JKRLM at overall development of Rural Women and continued training and exposure, it made it’s presence at G20 platform to showcase and sale the SHG made products, she maintained.

The positive vibes and the response from the Delegates towards the SHG women market has really added to the morale of the women, She said.

Talking about the Millet cafe put up for the Delegates during G20 ,she said that year 2023 is being celebrated as the International Year of Millets. G20 is giving us a big stage to promote millet as a source of nutrition and livelihood. Women of the Self-Help Group are managing everything, and we are promoting this as an opportunity to earn livelihood.

There is an inspiring story behind each piece. From delicate hand-woven wicker baskets to Basholi Art, the range of products on display represented the rich cultural heritage of the Jammu and Kashmir ,”the Mission Director said.

This is my first time participating at such a grand international platform. I had never thought in my life about it ,I thank Department for giving me this opportunity to witness such a great event ,one of the SHG member from Jammu said.

JKRLM would like to thank LG Sh Manoj Sinha to have always encouraged Rural SHG women and given a chance to the Department to participate in such an important global event.

Distt Admin committed to raising the living standard of people: Dr Sehrish

BARAMULLA, MAY 22: In order to boost the growth of agriculture in Baramulla district, the District Development Commissioner (DDC) Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar today inaugurated Honey Processing Cum Bottling Plant and Hi Tech Polygreen House under Aspirational District Programme at Agriculture Extension Office Baramulla, here.

The processing and bottling plant, setup with award money at a cost of Rs 11.19 lakhs is the first of its kind in the district and has the capacity to process and filter honey on a daily basis.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sehrish said that the plant will provide service to farmers on a no profit basis. She informed that the district has a large number of beekeepers with an annual production of 800 qtls of raw honey. The plant will now enable the farmers to sell their honey as a marketable product and augment their incomes, she added.

Elaborating further, the DDC remarked that the much needed plant will help in processing, filtering and bottling of honey thereby making its sale to a large extent.

After launching Varmul Honey Brand, the DDC said that the District Administration is committed to introduce the brand at National and International level. She also asserted that similar profit oriented initiatives will be taken up in other areas also so that the plant will open many avenues for the farmers to market their products at large scale.

Later, the DDC inaugurated the 7th Hi- Tech Polygreen House set up at an estimated cost of Rs. 5 lakhs.

After inaugurating the polyhouse, the DDC highlighted the importance of Hi-tech poly houses and said that to explore the potential in the vegetable sector hi-tech poly green houses will play a remarkable role.

She said that the Agriculture department has established hi-tech poly green houses in the district to ensure round the year availability of seedlings of different vegetable crops to the farming community.

Dr Sehrish also highlighted the importance of integrated farming and asked the farmers to diversify their agriculture operations.

The DDC further added that the District Administration is committed to raising the living standards of people. She assured that the District Administration will provide all the technical assistance to the farming community to comprehensively perform their agriculture activities.

Joint Director Planning, Mohammad Yousuf Rather and Chief Agriculture officer, Yadvinder Singh besides others concerned were present on the occasion.