Kashmir's Handmade Exports Reach Record High of Rs 309.62 Crore in Q1

Kashmir's handmade product exports have exceeded ₹300 crore in the April-June quarter, the highest in the last four years. The Handicrafts and Handloom Department aims to reach ₹1,500 crore in exports for the current financial year, despite global conflicts. The top exported products are Kani, Sozni shawls, hand-knotted carpets, crewel, papier mache, and chain stitch items. The department has notified an Export Subsidy Scheme providing a 10% incentive on GI-registered products, with a maximum reimbursement of ₹5 crore.

In a significant boost for Kashmir's handmade craft sector, exports in the first quarter of the current financial year (Q1) reached ₹309.62 crore, marking a substantial increase of 243% from the same period last year. This is the highest export value for Q1 in the last four years [1].

The Handicrafts and Handloom Department of Kashmir has set an ambitious target of ₹1500 crore in exports for the current financial year, despite the ongoing global conflicts. The primary drivers of this export surge are traditional crafts like Kani shawls, Sozni shawls, hand-knotted carpets, crewel, papier mache, and chain stitch items [1].

The department has implemented an Export Subsidy Scheme to further stimulate exports. This scheme provides a 10% incentive on goods of geographical indication (GI) registered under the handloom and handicraft sectors. The maximum reimbursement under this scheme is ₹5 crore per eligible exporter [1].

The department's strategy also includes a well-established Design Studio at the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology in Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan, which offers unique prototypes and packaging models to enhance the value of handmade products in high-end global markets [1].

Last year, the export of craft products was significantly impacted by global conflicts, totaling ₹733.59 crore [1]. The current export figures indicate a strong recovery and resilience in the sector.

References:
[1] https://kashmirobserver.net/2025/07/19/rs-300-cr-earned-as-handmade-exports-nearly-triple-in-q1/