Crafting a bright future
We may not have reached a point where we can claim that the golden period of handicrafts in Kashmir has witnessed a return. However, given the past developments that have occurred during the past two years we can claim that the handicrafts sector is recording a comeback.
As of now 18 crafts are GI-registered out of which 15 are from Kashmir and three from Jammu region. The authorities have even plans to register six more products under this category making the list all the more impressive.
Notably, the government’s ambitious plans to revive the ages old handicrafts Industry have raised hopes not only among the artisans but the entire business community.
Not only has the industry which had touched an all-time low, witnessed a revival but the people associated with the trade have experienced relief and see a better future ahead.
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.
Despite global slowdown during the FY 2025-26 so far ₹410 Cr exports were reported by Oct 2025. The Q1 (Apr-Jun) 2025 alone was ₹309.62 Cr, up 243% from Q1 last year. During the FY 2024-25, the total exports stood at ₹733.59 Cr total, down from ₹1,162 Cr in 2023-24 due to Ukraine-Russia war and the Middle East conflicts.
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 and 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 providing of carding facility to the local artisan, the move has helped 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.
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 will ensure that the trade will certainly see a revival and benefit the people here.
