SRINAGAR: Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom (DHH), Kashmir, organised a one-day Capacity Building Programme on Branding and Packaging at the Conference Hall, Exhibition Ground here today.
The programme was held under the World Bank-supported Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme, being implemented by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir.
The programme was inaugurated by Director, Handicrafts and Handloom (H&H), Kashmir Mussarat Islam, in the presence of Deputy Director Training, Mirza Shahid Ali, and other officers from the Resource Cell of the Directorate.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Director underscored the critical role of branding and packaging in enabling Kashmir’s artisans and weavers to remain competitive in the present market scenario. He urged participants to focus on forming producer companies, which would be extended support under the RAMP programme, thereby enhancing collective strength and market outreach.
The training was conducted by expert faculty from the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), Sheikh Nowsheen and Ajaz A. Mulla, who provided hands-on guidance, case studies, and design approaches to strengthen product identity and market readiness.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 100 women artisans, particularly those engaged in GI, ODOP, and DEH products. Participants were introduced to evolving consumer preferences, branding tools, and value-added packaging techniques aimed at empowering grassroots craft producers to access wider and premium markets.
This initiative is part of an ongoing series of capacity-building efforts under RAMP, designed to strengthen MSMEs and the artisan community of Kashmir by improving product positioning and market access.
The Directorate reaffirms its commitment to extend sustained support to artisan clusters, cooperatives, and entrepreneurs through training, infrastructure development, and market linkages, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and enhanced global recognition of Kashmir’s rich craft heritage.
