Jammu, 13 June (H.S.):
Jammu
and Kashmir’s world-famous artisanal heritage is undergoing a massive makeover.
Long held back by middlemen and counterfeit products, the traditional craft
sector is now being reborn through technology and innovation.
Over
the last five years, bold Government policies and the rise of local startups
have turned ancient crafts into competitive global businesses.
Today, a new generation is choosing
entrepreneurship over conflict, using digital tools and GI tags to protect and
sell their heritage. This transformation is turning J&K from an informal
market into a modern, tech-driven startup hub.
In
the crisp, sun-drenched mountains of Bhaderwah and Kishtwar, a new revolution
is brewing. Founded in 2022 by visionary entrepreneur Shabir Ahmed, The Saz Valley
is far more than a luxury retreat; it is a powerful engine for local
prosperity. By blending high-end tourism with a farm-to-table model, Shabir is
transforming the region into a global destination while ensuring the wealth of
the mountains stays exactly where it belongs: with the local farmers and
artisans.
The
Saz Valley Emporium is bypassing middlemen to connect travelers directly with
J&K’s authentic soul. From Saffron and Walnuts to GI-tagged Bhaderwah
Rajma, every product is sourced straight from local fields and looms. This
“direct-to-consumer” model has doubled the bargaining power of local growers,
ensuring that as tourism in Bhaderwah doda district booms, the profits stay
exactly where they belong with the farmers and artisans who create the magic.
Jammu
and Kashmir’s economy is soaring toward a record Rs 2.88 lakh crore this year,
fueled by a massive Rs 1.13 lakh crore budget and over Rs 33,000 crore
dedicated to new infrastructure.
In
a game-changing move, the Central Government has taken over regional policing
costs, freeing up a security dividend that is now being poured into Mission
YUVA, a flagship program designed to launch 1.37 lakh new businesses and create
4 lakh jobs. With a dedicated Rs 50 crore startup fund and a major tax cut slashing
GST from 12% to just 5% on heritage crafts like Pashmina and hand-knotted
carpets, J & K is successfully pivoting away from the shadows of the past
and toward a bright, innovation-led future.
This
surge in interest is no accident. It is the result of a deliberate push by the
Government Handloom Department, where officials like Mohan Lal are working to
ensure the craft survives for another century. Through a specialized one-year
skill development program, groups of 20 to 22 participants, predominantly local
women, are being trained in the intricate arts of weaving. To support them
during their journey, the government provides a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000.
“We
don’t just train them and leave,” says Mohan Lal. “Once they complete the year,
we register them with the department, giving them a formal platform to produce
and sell their own creations.” Beyond training, the Financial Support Scheme
acts as a powerful catalyst; it provides a Rs 1 lakh grant to new 11-member
groups, allowing them to set up their own stalls and production units for items
like bedsheets, stoles, and blankets. By merging the lifelong wisdom of masters
like Tarak Chand with fresh capital and modern training, Samba is proving that
J&K’s handloom industry is more than just heritage, it is a robust, growing
engine of livelihood that is weaving a brighter future for thousands.
J&K’s
heritage is powering a massive economic comeback, with exports skyrocketing by
243% to nearly Rs 310 crore in early 2025.
Boosted
by strategic tax cuts and Srinagar’s status as a UNESCO World Crafts City, the
region’s 4.5 lakh artisans are using digital tools to turn ancient skills into
a high-growth global industry.
This
shift has propelled J&K from 35th to 17th place on the national Export
Promotion Index, proving that its traditional crafts are now more competitive
and profitable than ever.
The
J&K Startup Policy 2024-2027 is turning traditional artisans into modern
CEOs. With a bold goal to launch 2,000 new businesses, the government has
backed the plan with a Rs 250 crore Venture Capital Fund and seed funding of up
to Rs 20 lakh for fresh ideas. To help these new companies grow, office spaces
are now 50% cheaper, and prior experience rules have been waived meaning even a
brand-new startup can now win major Government contracts.
J&K
is securing its future by legally protecting 25 iconic products with GI tags,
ranging from the world’s highest-quality Saffron and Mushqbudji Rice to
Udhampur Kaladi cheese and organic Sulai Honey. To save even more niche skills
from fakes, 17 new crafts including Kashmir Willow cricket bats, Tilla
embroidery, and Dal Lake houseboats are currently being added to the legal
safety net.
This
protection is backed by a high-tech QR code system that has already tagged over
51,000 authentic shawls and 20,000 carpets, allowing global shoppers to trace
every thread back to the original loom. By combining these legal shields with
strict crackdowns on fraud, J&K is ensuring that its artisans finally
command the premium global prices their legendary heritage deserves. While
Geographical Indication tags have turned Kashmiri crafts into global luxury
brands, a recent deep-dive study into 388 Pashmina and Kani shawl makers has
revealed a startling Artisan Paradox. On one hand, the GI tag is a massive
success, it has boosted tourism, opened up international e-commerce, and
allowed retailers in cities like London and New York to charge premium prices.
Jammu
and Kashmir’s economy is growing at a record pace, surging toward a record
?2.88 lakh crore with a massive 243% jump in exports this year. This
transformation is fueled by a Rs 250 crore Venture Capital Fund and high-tech
protections like QR codes and 25 GI tags that safeguard authentic heritage. By
cutting out middlemen and using digital platforms to connect artisans directly
to the world, J&K has successfully evolved into a vibrant, tech-driven
global hub, ensuring its newfound wealth stays exactly where it belongs in the
hands of its people.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
