Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Oct 24 : Geographic Indication (GI) tagging followed by the recently held G20 summit seems to have done its job to promote Kashmir handicrafts.
As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), in the first quarter of this year, handicrafts worth Rs 208.21 crore have been exported from Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of the world.
The said amount constitutes 55 per cent of the exports recorded during April- September last year.
Official figures reveal that handcrafts worth Rs 375.97 crore have been exported from Kashmir during April- September 2022, which almost make two quarters.
Noteworthy, last year, handicrafts exports from Jammu and Kashmir touched Rs. 1116.37 crore mark.
During the first quarter this year, the largest growth has been seen in carpet exports. In Quarter 1, carpets valued at Rs 88.92 crore were exported.
Rumals and Shawls totaling Rs 79.95 crore were exported during the first quarter.
In Quarter 1, chain stitch exports totaled Rs 32.85 crore. During that time, Papier Machie products were exported for Rs 2.23 crore.
Exports of woodcarving and other items totalling Rs 2.54 crore were recorded during the first quarter.
Kashmir, recently obtained GI tagging for its renowned handicrafts, including Pashmina shawls, carpets, and exquisite Papier-mâché items.
The GI tagging ensures the authenticity and origin of these products, offering protection from duplication and counterfeiting while also enhancing their marketability in international trade.
Earlier this year in May, G20 summit was held in Kashmir during which many handicraft products were displayed to woo the visiting delegates.
While the delegates acknowledged the art behind handicrafts, a lot of them toured Srinagar areas and purchased handicraft items.
An official said that the G20 meet and GI tagging has boosted the sales of Kashmiri handicrafts.
“There has been a good demand for Kashmiri handicrafts this year. The G20 summit promoted our craft as demand for Kashmiri handicrafts is more from European countries,” he said.
Pertinently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday said Jammu and Kashmir administration will work to provide infrastructure support to the artisans—(KNO)
