Srinagar: More than 1,000 artisans, weavers, cooperative societies and self-help groups have received training in branding, packaging and geographical indication (GI) labelling under 10 capacity-building programmes organised by the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar.
The programmes were conducted under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), with a focus on improving the marketability of Kashmir’s traditional handicraft and handloom products.
According to a departmental spokesman, the workshops covered crafts including Sozni, Crewel and Ari embroidery, walnut wood carving, papier-mâché, Pashmina and Tweed/Pattoo weaving.
NIFT faculty members and domain experts conducted interactive and practical sessions on product identity, brand development, visual presentation and customised packaging. Participants were also briefed on how appropriate packaging could protect products, facilitate transportation and communicate their quality and value to consumers.
The department said the programmes aimed to promote products associated with geographical indication (GI) crafts, the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and other traditional crafts by helping artisans improve product presentation and access specialised markets.
The initiative sought to combine Kashmir’s traditional craftsmanship with contemporary branding and packaging practices to enhance the visibility and market reach of handmade products.