Abdullah unveils ‘know your artisan’ initiative to promote J-K handicrafts

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expanded the “Know Your Artisan” initiative under the “Soulful Kashmir” campaign , marking a major push to strengthen the region’s handicrafts and handloom sector through technology, market access, and cultural promotion.

The initiative is part of the broader effort to build “Brand Jammu and Kashmir” , aimed at improving direct market access for artisans , ensuring fair pricing, and preserving the authenticity of traditional crafts while boosting global visibility of the sector.

At Kashmir Haat, Abdullah inaugurated a GI Testing Lab , installed giant LED video walls , and launched high-precision fibre analysis equipment along with the DesignNWeave software developed by the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar . These tools are intended to improve certification, design innovation, and quality assurance for local crafts.

The event also featured a large-scale exhibition space with around 30 display-cum-sale counters , showcasing GI-certified and traditional handicrafts. A key highlight was the expanded “Try Your Hands” initiative , which offered live demonstrations of weaving, embroidery, and other crafts, allowing visitors to experience traditional production processes firsthand.

The Chief Minister himself participated in yarn warping, a crucial and demanding step in pashmina weaving , and interacted with Shilp Gurus, National Awardees, and master artisans , reviewing prototype designs developed by design institutions.

Reports also noted wider public engagement features, including student interaction zones, craft awareness activities, and experiential learning sessions that connect younger generations with Kashmir’s craft heritage.

Abdullah said such initiatives should be held more frequently and for longer durations, calling them essential for giving artisans sustained visibility and global reach. He directed the department to institutionalise “Know Your Artisan” as a regular programme and expand its outreach across regions.

He also urged people to visit Kashmir Haat to witness authentic craftsmanship and support artisans through the purchase of genuine handmade products, calling them the “magical hands” preserving Kashmir’s cultural identity.