J&K handicraft exports peak

30 May '11

1 min read

Handicraft exports from Jammu and Kashmir peaked to an all-time high of Rs. 10.04 billion during the fiscal 2010-11, which is Rs. 3.4 billion more than previous fiscal's exports of Rs. 6.61 billion.

This was stated by the State's Minister of Industries SS Slathia while evaluating the performance of Srinagar's handicraft department.

“The government is directing all its resources towards providing the necessary boost to the industry which serves as a source of employment for almost 400,000 people in the State”, Mr. Slathia said.

The Minister recommended speedy conclusion of the ambitious project for replacing all the conventional handlooms in the State with high-tech looms at a cost of Rs. 12 million.

He said that 39 traditional looms have already been replaced with high-tech looms, and the remaining 35 looms would be replaced by end of June, 2011.

The Minister also stated that the government is surveying all the possibilities for providing Below Poverty Level (BPL) artisans with free insurance cover.

Moreover, from the present year onwards, the State government is going to revive the State awards for outstanding artisans, in order to motivate the artisans to take up handicrafts as a dignified occupation, he said.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

More Textiles News - India...