Kashmir’s Handmade Heritage Needs Stronger Protection, Institutional Support and Global Recognition: Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad
At a Srinagar event organised by the Textile Park Association, former KCC&I president calls for SIDBI support, stronger GI certification, dedicated exhibitions and action against the misrepresentation of machine-made products as handmade crafts.
SRINAGAR, November 14: Calling for stronger institutional support and greater market recognition for Kashmir’s traditional handicraft sector, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, former President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I), has stressed the need to protect the Valley’s centuries-old handmade heritage and ensure better economic opportunities for artisans and weavers.
He was speaking at a function organised by the Textile Park Association in Srinagar, which brought together artisans, weavers, industry representatives and other stakeholders to deliberate on the development, promotion and preservation of Kashmir’s traditional textile and handicraft industries.
Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, who is also a Committee of Administration (CoA) member of the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) and the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council, attended the programme as Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, he emphasised the importance of greater institutional and financial assistance, including support from the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), to strengthen textile parks and ensure that government-backed initiatives directly benefit grassroots artisans and weavers.
Highlighting one of the major challenges facing Kashmir’s handicraft industry, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad expressed concern over the growing misrepresentation of machine-made products as authentic handmade crafts.
He stressed that such practices could undermine consumer confidence, damage the reputation of Kashmir’s traditional craftsmanship and adversely affect the livelihoods of artisans who depend on genuine handmade production.
He underlined the importance of Geographical Indication (GI) certification, consumer awareness and stronger branding to distinguish authentic Kashmiri handicrafts from machine-made alternatives.
According to him, protecting the identity and authenticity of traditional products is essential not only for preserving Kashmir’s cultural heritage but also for maintaining the competitiveness of its handicraft industry in domestic and international markets.
Referring to GI promotion initiatives supported by the Ministry of Commerce, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad called for greater national and international visibility for Kashmir’s GI-tagged products.
He proposed organising dedicated GI fairs and establishing exclusive exhibition spaces in major domestic and international markets to showcase genuine handmade products.
Such initiatives, he said, could help artisans and exporters reach new consumers, improve market access, strengthen consumer confidence and create better commercial opportunities for traditional craft producers.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen branding and market positioning so that Kashmir’s authentic handicrafts receive recognition and value in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
Reiterating the importance of collective efforts, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad said government institutions, industry associations and other stakeholders must work together to safeguard Kashmir’s traditional craftsmanship and ensure sustainable livelihoods for its artisan community.
The discussions at the event focused on strengthening the textile and handicraft ecosystem, improving institutional support and creating opportunities for artisans and weavers to benefit from expanding domestic and international markets.
Kashmir’s handicraft sector remains closely linked to the region’s cultural identity, traditional knowledge and economic life. From hand-knotted carpets and silk products to traditional embroidery and handwoven textiles, generations of artisans have preserved skills that continue to give Kashmir’s crafts a distinctive identity.
The concerns raised at the Srinagar gathering underline the importance of protecting authenticity, strengthening market institutions and ensuring that the economic value of traditional craftsmanship reaches the people who create it.
The programme concluded with a call for coordinated action to preserve Kashmir’s handmade heritage, promote GI-tagged products and build a stronger and more sustainable future for the region’s artisans and weavers.
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