Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, while chairing a meeting to review the newly framed Action Plan for Promotion of Export of Handicrafts and Handloom Products from J&K, emphasized on the need to converge Central, UT schemes to facilitate exporters.
The Chief Secretary’s observation is significant as export promotion cannot succeed through fragmented interventions. Artisans, weavers, manufacturers and exporters need an ecosystem in which financial assistance, infrastructure, technology, skill development, quality certification, branding, logistics and market access work together rather than in isolation.
The scheme is aimed at scaling up the Union Territory’s textile and apparel exports from the present base of Rs 800 crore to Rs 2,000 crore by 2030.
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the benefits of export growth reach the artisans who form the foundation of the sector.
Increased exports should translate into better remuneration, more stable livelihoods and greater opportunities for young people to enter skilled traditional occupations. Schemes must therefore be designed not merely around export figures but also around strengthening the entire value chain.
Branding and geographical identity will also be crucial. J&K’s handicrafts already possess considerable recognition, but stronger international branding, effective certification and protection against imitation can enhance their value. Digital commerce provides another opportunity. Small artisans who may find it difficult to access overseas buyers directly can increasingly use digital platforms and organised marketing networks to reach international consumers.
Infrastructure is equally important. Exporters need reliable logistics, warehousing, packaging facilities, testing laboratories and streamlined documentation. Faster clearances and simpler procedures can reduce transaction costs and make local products more competitive. Convergence between Central and UT schemes can help eliminate duplication and close gaps in this support structure.
Skill development must move alongside technology. Young artisans should be exposed to modern design, quality standards, digital marketing and international consumer trends without losing the traditional techniques that make J&K products distinctive. Collaboration between artisans, designers, institutions and exporters can create products that combine heritage with contemporary demand. The Rs 2,000-crore target should consequently be viewed not simply as an export statistic but as an opportunity to build a stronger, more organised and globally competitive handicrafts and handloom economy. With effective coordination between departments, exporters and artisan communities, J&K can convert its extraordinary cultural wealth into sustainable economic opportunity. The real measure of success will be whether the Action Plan creates durable markets, strengthens artisans and enables the traditional crafts of Jammu and Kashmir to find a larger place in the global marketplace. That requires coordinated action today, sustained support tomorrow and a clear commitment to making local craftsmanship globally competitive. |
