Jammu, Feb 09 (KNS): The National Institute of Fashion and Technology (NIFT) Srinagar and Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom Jammu (DHHJ) on Thursday signed an MoU for designing innovative and sustainable packaging as a branding initiative for the H&H sector of Jammu.
The MoU was signed in presence of Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce Department J&K Sh. Prashant Goyal (IAS) and Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, GoI & Director General NIFT, Sh. Rohit Kansal (IAS) at Udyog Bhawan, Jammu.
The collaboration has been fostered with an aim to provide a framework for the effective collaboration of two organisations in designing of packaging crafts with an aim to promote them through targeted intervention. The project will add value to these artefacts of the Jammu cottage industry.
While addressing the gathering of officers and artisans, Sh Prashant Goel (IAS) said we should target the market outside J&K for opening up new avenues. "This can be achieved through product diversification and widening of versatility use in crafts," he said.
While speaking to the audience, Rohit Kansal said that crafts of the Jammu region need to be unboxed to harness their true potential.
"The instant collaboration between NIFT and DHH Jammu is a step towards this direction," he said.
He also said that the NIFT outreach initiative is aimed at widening the reach of the institute to stakeholders, especially artisans and craftspeople.
As DG, NIFT he assured his full support in the upliftment of crafts of J&K to the contemporary times.
Director NIFT Srinagar, Dr Javid Ahmad Wani in his presentation stated that the Handloom and Handicrafts (H&H) sector of Jammu has enormous potential for growth, export and wealth creation as well as employment generation.
"NIFT will create a strategic and attractive packaging design solution for branding Jammu handicraft and handloom items," he said.
Director H&H Jammu Dr Vikas Gupta presented details about various interventions taken by the Directorate for the revival and promotion of crafts in the Jammu region.
Deputy Director Handicrafts Jammu, Megha presented vote of thanks at the occasion.(KNS)