Kashmir Life (KL): What are the challenges that Kashmir’s handicraft sector is currently facing?
Mehmood Ahmad Shah (MAS): There are immense challenges faced by our handicraft sector. But the skill-set we have is unlike anyone in the world. Also, over the period of time, the coming in of machines has marginalized artisans and impacted the product basket.
These are the main challenges but solutions are available as well. One of the best solutions we have is GI tagging. We have introduced GI tagging in seven crafts - Pashmina, Kani, Sozni, Papier Machie, Walnut wood, Carpet and Khatam Bandh. We have to strictly implement the GI tagging so that craft basket improves and becomes original and the people associated with it also can get remunerative wages.
I think so far the department has not worked on e-commerce. We should support artisans on e-commerce platforms so that they can be globally plugged. We have to glorify artisans who are state and national awardees because they are our unsung heroes. We have to promote them. Once they are promoted on these platforms the whole world can be our customers.
KL: We are living in a fragile situation, whether it is the Covid-19 pandemic or the post-August 5, 2019 lockdowns. How has our handicraft economy been affected by these situations and what is our current situation?
MAS: Over time we have seen that our exports are not increasing and numbers of artisans are also dwindling. There is an apprehension that a lot of crafts are on verge of extinction. I will give the example of wickerwork. Now only a few artisans of the craft are left. We used to make Kashmiri Rabab but now only a few Rabab artisans are living. Saving these crafts is very important. Artisans should be supported.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 18, 2021-Ausgabe von Kashmir Life.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 18, 2021-Ausgabe von Kashmir Life.
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