Srinagar, Aug 3: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has made significant strides in preserving the authenticity of Kashmiri handicrafts, granting GI tags to around 50,000 shawls and carpets over the past three years.
These QR code-based Geographic Indication (GI) tags serve to identify products as originating from a specific territory, attributing their quality, reputation, or characteristics to that geographic origin.
According to an official, around 35,000 shawls and 15,000 carpets have received GI tags from the J&K administration in the last three years.
The introduction of GI tags has boosted the exports of these handicrafts, especially Pashmina shawls and carpets.
Exports surpass Rs 1000 crore annually, with Kashmiri carpets alone contributing over Rs 500 crore.
Other significant handicraft items included shawls, papier-mâché, wood carving, and crewel/chain stitch. Kashmir’s esteemed handicrafts, known for their quality and craftsmanship, have substantial markets in Gulf and European countries, particularly for carpets and Pashmina shawls.
Despite the global recognition of Kashmiri art, artisans face challenges such as the unorganized nature of the industry, limited access to technology, inadequate marketing, and setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic.
About 300,000 individuals involved in various handicrafts struggle to support their families but remain optimistic due to the increasing international demand for their unique creations.
A senior official stated that the administration has taken several crucial steps to support the handicraft and handloom sector.
“We are committed to providing training, design, technology, financial, and other infrastructure support that will significantly contribute to the growth of this sector and the earnings of artisans,” he said.
He added that the GI tags are also being applied to various handicraft items to protect the industry from fakes and counterfeits.
QR Codes meet Kashmir’s Heritage: 50K Shawls, Carpets get GI stamp
