Onlykashmir.in News Desk
More than 1,000 artisans, weavers, cooperative societies and Self Help Groups from Kashmir have received capsule training in branding and packaging, as the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir concluded a series of 10 Capacity Building Programmes under RAMP, a flagship programme of the Ministry of MSME.
The programmes were held at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar, and were aimed at raising awareness about the branding and packaging of high-value handmade products that hold sway in niche markets.
In a press statement issued in Srinagar on Wednesday, a spokesman of the Department said the workshops were designed to instil the significance of proper branding, packaging and GI labelling so that artisans’ high-end products become market-ready. “Our focus revolves around promotion of GI crafts, ODOPs and other distinctive traditional crafts,” he said.
The participants represented a wide range of heritage crafts, including Sozni, Crewel and Ari Staple embroidery, walnut wood carving, papier mache, Pashmina and Tweed or Pattoo weaving. These are crafts that have given Kashmir a global name, yet many artisans struggle to reach premium markets because their products are often sold without distinctive branding or protective packaging.
The spokesman said NIFT faculty members and domain experts led interactive and practical sessions covering product identity, brand development, visual presentation and customised packaging. Participants were also sensitised about the role of packaging in protecting products, facilitating transportation and effectively communicating product attributes and value to consumers.
The programmes underscored that branding and packaging are not merely promotional tools but integral components of product development, market positioning and enterprise growth. By blending Kashmir’s rich traditional craftsmanship and cultural identity with benchmark techniques, the initiative aims to improve the visibility and marketability of the region’s famed craft products.
Handicrafts remain a major source of livelihood in Jammu and Kashmir, supporting thousands of families, many of them in rural households where work is passed from one generation to the next. A Geographical Indication tag certifies the origin and authenticity of a craft, and proper labelling helps buyers distinguish genuine products from imitations. Good packaging, meanwhile, reduces damage in transit and gives a product a professional presentation that can command a better price.
For artisans who have long depended on middlemen and local markets, training of this kind offers a path towards reaching customers directly, whether through exhibitions, retail outlets or online platforms. The department’s emphasis on GI crafts and One District One Product items suggests that such capacity building is likely to remain a priority for strengthening the sector.
