Srinagar, Oct 10 (KNS): Nearly 4.45 lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir depend on the handicrafts and handloom sector for their livelihoods, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Saturday, highlighting a series of government interventions aimed at strengthening artisan incomes, protecting traditional crafts and expanding access to national and international markets.

In a post on X, Abdullah, as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), said the Union Territory's centuries-old artisanal heritage had earned global recognition but required sustained institutional and financial support to ensure economic security for artisans and weavers, many of whom belong to economically weaker sections.

The Chief Minister said the government's efforts were focused on transforming the traditional handicrafts sector into a stronger and more self-reliant economic activity while preserving its cultural identity.

Among the major interventions highlighted by Abdullah was a fivefold increase in Geographical Indication (GI) certification capacity, aimed at strengthening the authenticity and market recognition of traditional products.

He also referred to the proposed establishment of Unity Malls in Srinagar and Jammu at an estimated cost of Rs 200 crore, which are intended to provide greater marketing opportunities for local artisans and traditional craft producers.

The proposed facilities are expected to create additional platforms for showcasing and selling indigenous handicrafts, potentially improving their visibility among domestic and international buyers.

Abdullah said the government's Credit Card Scheme for artisans was designed to address working capital constraints by enabling beneficiaries to purchase raw materials and other essential inputs without delays.

Access to timely credit remains an important requirement for artisans engaged in labour-intensive crafts, where production often involves substantial upfront expenditure and extended periods before finished products reach markets.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The Chief Minister also highlighted the development of dedicated tribal artisan clusters, QR-code-based quality testing and regular Buyer-Seller Meets organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO).

These measures, he said, were intended to improve product quality, strengthen buyer confidence and establish more reliable market linkages for traditional craft producers.

Jammu and Kashmir's handicrafts sector encompasses a diverse range of traditional products, including Kashmiri and Basohli Pashmina, Kani shawls, hand-knotted carpets, Sozni embroidery, Papier Mâché, Basohli paintings, Rajouri Chikri woodcraft, Khatamband and walnut wood carving.

The crafts represent generations of specialised skills and remain an important source of employment and cultural identity across the Union Territory.

Abdullah said the government was committed to preserving these traditional skills while ensuring that artisans and weavers receive greater economic benefits from their work.

He emphasised that improving access to finance, strengthening quality certification and expanding marketing infrastructure were central to building a sustainable economic base for the sector.

The Chief Minister assured continued institutional support to help artisans reach wider national and global markets and improve their long-term financial security.

The initiatives outlined by Abdullah come amid the continuing need to strengthen market access and income opportunities for traditional craft workers, particularly those operating on a small scale.

However, the post did not specify implementation timelines for the proposed Unity Malls or provide details of the number of artisans who have benefited from the individual interventions.

The Chief Minister maintained that sustained government support would remain essential to securing the future of Jammu and Kashmir's handloom and handicrafts sector. (KNS)