Revival of Handicrafts benefits all
The Jammu and Kashmir government’s ambitious plans to revive the ages old handicrafts Industry is paying rich dividends. Not only has the industry which had touched an all-time low, witnessed a revival but the people associated with the trade have felt a glimmer of hope as well.
Kashmir’s handicraft industry has seen significant growth in recent years. According to available data, the turnover of handicrafts in Kashmir during the past two years is substantial as Kashmir exported handicraft and handloom products worth ₹2,567 crore in the last two fiscal years and the first three quarters of the current fiscal year (2024-25).
The export figures touched ₹3,000 crore by the end of this fiscal year (March 2025) as the total export value of Kashmiri crafts in four years has reached ₹3,477.31 crore, including exports from key categories like carpets, woolen shawls, paper mache, and other items.
The figures that have come to the fore suggest the immense potential the trade offers for the development of the region and generation of employment here.
Since many initiatives have been announced covering many trades under the Kashmir handicrafts sector, one trade that had so far witnessed a left out is also witnessing some positive developments.
The authorities here have announced a huge step toward revival and promotion of the traditional craft of Kashmiri Namdha, as the Government approved funds for refurbishing and installation of a high-capacity Carding Machine at its UNDP wing.
This initiative falls under the larger objective of strengthening the infrastructure and sustainability of traditional handicrafts and handloom sectors in the Valley.
Notably, Namdha, a Centuries-old craft involving felting and embroidery of woollen fabric, has been witnessing a steady decline due to various constraints. One such being the lack of wool processing facilities, high input costs, and time-consuming manual methods. The refurbishment of the Carding Machine under the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) budgeting is expected to address these bottlenecks directly.
Namdha sector has deep connected roots to the social fabric of the region. Namda was the only commodity that kept the houses warm during the harsh long winters in Kashmir. Both the rich and the poor used this art form to be used in their houses as it was traditionally warm and would be affordable to all.
Now that the government has initiated to provide carding facility to the local artisan, the move will help preserve its rich legacy and improve the livelihoods of hundreds of artisans dependent on this culturally significant art form, which not only has a huge demand, locally but outside the UT and the country.
Reviving the languishing crafts so that they may find new markets to fall back on is a wonderful initiative that needs to be applauded bu one and all.
Namda manufacturing was done at a cottage level and the entire family would benefit from the trade during the past years, but as labour costs rose and the dependence on hiring labour to do the manually jobs to prepare the Namda became difficult owing to lower profits, the trade is virtually extinct.
However, initiatives like the one undertaken today will ensure that the trade will certainly see a revival and benefit the people here.
