Handicrafts :
Handicrafts activities occupy an important position in the economic structure of J&K State. The handicrafts activities are best suited to the state as these
activities are more labour intensive and less capital intensive in nature, therefore having scope for employment generation opportunities at large scale. J&K handicrafts products
have won world wide fame for their attractive deigns, functional utility and high quality craftsmanship.
Handicrafts has remained a key economic activity from the time
immemorial. The nimbleness and dexterity of local artisans coupled with their artistic imagination reflected through a wide range or products has delighted the connoisseurs the
world over for centuries. Craft like embroidery, shawls, crewels, namda, chain stitch, wood carving, papier machie, costume, jewelry, kanishwals and carpets hold a significant
share in the overall production and export of the state. Silken carpets in particular constitute a specialty having no parallel in quality and design at national level and,
therefore, occupy an important position in the international market. The handicraft sector of the state has great contribution towards foreign exchange earnings to the
country in and our state in particular.
J&K State has a well established Directorate working under the state industries and commerce department for promoting
handicrafts activities by way of forming co-operative societies to get the artisans gainfully absorbed..The department promotes sale of handicraft goods by organizing
expose/exhibition/craft bazaars within and outside the state. It also organizes exhibition at international level also skills are imparted trainees annually for which it has a
structure of training centres (including centers of carpet scheme) in the state.
Handloom :
The Handloom sector in J&K State is centuries old and is known for weaving of fabrics like Pashmina, Raffal, Silk Sarees and Cotton items.
The industry occupies a significant place in the socio-economic structure of J&K. It plays a crucial role in employment generation for weaker sections of the society.
It is a labour intensive cottage Industry. The Handloom Dev. Department plays a catalytic role in modernization of Handloom Sector in the State through skill up-gradation
of weavers by providing modernized looms, training in design and weaving, marketing of Handloom products through marketing incentives and by fostering participation of
weavers in National, State and District level Handloom Expos and Melas.
