A Legacy Interwoven with Kashmir’s Handicraft Heritage: The Story of Kashmir Produce Company
Srinagar: Nestled in the historic lanes of Shehr-e-Khaas at Zaina Kadal, Kashmir Produce Company (KPC) has long been associated with Kashmir’s celebrated handicraft tradition. Regarded as one of the Valley’s oldest and most prominent handicraft establishments, the company reflects generations of craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and public service.
The enterprise traces its origins to the vision of the ancestors of the distinguished Ghani (Bedaba) family, who established the company with the efforts of Al Haj Haji Abdul Ahad Ghani, Haji Ameer-ud-Din Ghani, Haji Maqbool Shah Ghani, Haji Ghulam Qadir Ghani, Haji Nizam-ud-Din Ghani, and Haji Ghulam Deen Ghani. Over time, the organisation expanded under the leadership of Haji Abdul Rashid Ghani, strengthening its presence in domestic and international markets.
Historical accounts indicate that during the Maharaja era, the Ghani (Bedaba) family earned recognition as one of Kashmir’s respected business families. Kashmir Produce Company became known for welcoming dignitaries, diplomats, traders, and visitors from across the world, who travelled through Srinagar’s waterways before visiting the company’s factory and showroom in the old city. The establishment showcased Kashmir’s finest handicrafts, including pashmina shawls, silk textiles, hand embroidery, carpets, and other traditional crafts.
Beyond Kashmir Produce Company, the family established several business ventures, including Ghani Textiles, Ghani Brothers, Ghani Sons, and Maqbool Shah & Ghulam Hassan Ghani. Collectively, these enterprises played an important role in promoting Kashmiri handicrafts and textiles while contributing to the Valley’s commercial growth.
The company is also remembered for its contribution to women’s participation in the traditional silk weaving industry. According to family records, Kashmir Produce Company introduced organised employment opportunities for women artisans, enabling many families to benefit economically while helping preserve the region’s centuries-old weaving traditions.
The Ghani (Bedaba) family has also maintained a longstanding association with religious and social service. Over generations, members of the family have served as caretakers and custodians of several revered shrines and mosques, including Khanqah-e-Moula (Shah-e-Hamdan RA), Peer Dastgeer Sahib (RA), Aasar-e-Shareef Kalashpora, and Bahauddin Ganj Bakhsh (RA), among other important religious institutions in the Valley. Haji Abdul Rashid Ghani also serves as the President of Jamaat-e-Hamdani, the ancestral organisation of the Bedaba family.
Over the years, members of the Bedaba family have received recognition through various national and international honours for their contributions to handicrafts, commerce, and community service. Their ancestral estate, Ghani Gunj in Zaina Kadal, emerged as a notable landmark of Srinagar’s old city, housing commercial establishments alongside important public facilities such as a fire station, post office, police station, charitable school, and medical dispensary that served local residents.
Today, Kashmir Produce Company continues to represent an enduring chapter in Kashmir’s cultural and commercial history. More than a business enterprise, it stands as a symbol of the Valley’s artistic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship for future generations.
Editor’s Note: According to historical records maintained by the family, Kashmir Produce Company is credited with introducing organised employment opportunities for women in Kashmir’s silk weaving industry, a development regarded as an important milestone in the region’s social and industrial history. Independent historical verification of this claim may be warranted.
