Early Times Report JAMMU, Dec 29: Romesh Khajuria, Vice Chairman Wool & Woolen Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India On Wednesday called on Ashok Koul, General Secretary (Organization) Jammu -Kashmir BJP. Khajuria accompanied by Bilal Ahmad Kawoosa, Vice Chairman, Kashmir Carpet Cluster Development Organisation apprised Koul about various issues of wool farmers and people involved in the trade of woolen products. At the outset, Khajuria said that Jammu and Kashmir lacks a market platform for wool farmers and tribal population involved in rearing animals for wool. He said that since 2019 market is not provided to wool farmers resulting in great financial loss to approximately two lakh families, who are engaged in animal rearing for wool and it's by-products. Khajuria said that wool grower farmers will not even be able to sell a kilogram of wool in 2019 in absence of a market. He further apprised that JK Wool Development Board, which is now merged in Industries, had brought the wool before 2019, is still laying in godowns and rotten condition. He said at present it seems that the Jammu and Kashmir government has a 'meat focus policy' which should be wool focus, so that additional income will be provided to the local sheep rearing population. He said that raw wool could be additional sources of income for wool grower's farmers and tribal population of J&K. Ashok Koul listened to the delegation very carefully and assured Khajuria that the issue brought up by him would be taken at appropriate platform. Later, Khajuria also informed Koul about recent visit to Italy, where he led a delegation of WWEPC Members to Milan, Italy to participate in Indian Pavilion. More than 75 entrepreneurs, artisans and weavers from various parts of India, including 25 from Jammu and Kashmir participated in the fair held between December 4 to 12. Kashmiri handicraft and woolen items remain in focus for the entire fair. |