Srinagar, July 07 (KNS): Director Handicraft and Handloom, Mehmood Ahmed Shah on Wednesday said that the e-commerce has crucial role in future for the survival of Handicraft and Handloom in the Valley. 

In an exclusive interview with Kashmir News Service (KNS), Shah said that e-commerce is the future for the better survival of Handicraft and Handloom of Kashmir, and efforts are being made by the department to bring artisans on e-commerce.

“The exhibitions and seminars have also a greater role to promote the handicraft and handloom sector. Every year we used to organize seminars and exhibitions but due to outbreak of Covid19 it became difficult, however, we have conducted series of virtual exhibitions. Since the situation is improving now, we are planning to accelerate to organize the events at a greater level," he said. 

He said that in today’s time, internet is a best platform for Handloom and Handicraft sector to move forward and the e-commerce can help artisans to get in touch directly with their customers to make sales.

"We are continuously receiving complaints about middlemen and commission agents taking advantage of artisan’s hard work, against this we are putting our efforts to get our artisans on e-commerce so that they can be in direct contact with their customers," he added.
 
He said that so far, they have signed memorandum with Flipkart, and the artisans are on Amazon, Jem platform and they are continuously in the process to get more platforms to assist the artisans in fullest manner. 

"We have around 2.35 lac artisans and thousands other groups, to get all these people on e-commerce is our prime concern. The Kashmir Handicraft and Handloom has global recognition. Our carpets, Pashmina Shawls, walnuts are famous worldwide, but we can lose this global identity if we do not focus on quality."

He said that the fake and duplicate stuff is a major challenge to deal with. "In this connection we have launched massive campaign called GI. We have launched this campaign everywhere, through every means. In case the customer has to buy any original product, he or she has to ensure its GI certified product," he said.

He also said that the situation is gradually improving, and in coming time they will again organize major events in Kashmir and outside to assist artisan community in a fullest manner. (KNS)