From Craft to Crisis: Kashmir's leather artisans fight for survival

Srinagar, Jan 14: The once-thriving leather industry of Kashmir is facing a severe crisis as local artisans grapple with dwindling demand and fierce competition from Chinese and other foreign imports. As traditional craftsmanship struggles to keep pace with cheaper alternatives, the livelihoods of many local artisans hang in the balance.

Ghulam Nabi Bhat, a seasoned leatherworker, lamented, “We are losing our market to foreign goods that are not only cheaper but also made from inferior materials. Our craftsmanship, which took years to perfect, is being overshadowed by these mass-produced items. It's disheartening.”

The influx of imports has forced many artisans to shift their focus to producing leather bags, abandoning traditional items like jackets and footwear. Muhammad Ashraf, another local craftsman, expressed frustration over the changing landscape: “People don’t appreciate the hard work and quality that goes into our products anymore. They choose the cheaper options, even though they won’t last like ours. What will happen to our skills?”

Artisan Khursheed Ahmad echoed these concerns, commenting, “The demand for our traditional leather goods has plummeted. Even long-time customers are now turning to Chinese brands for their low prices and flashy designs. It feels like our skills are fading into obscurity.”

As the market dynamics shift, sales have significantly dropped, impacting overall production and the quality of locally made leather goods. While a high-quality jacket used to retail for Rs 3000 to 5000, the profits have dwindled as local craftsmen struggle to compete with the price of imported goods, which many perceive as more attractive.

With many young people leaving traditional leather-making jobs, the future seems uncertain. Artisan Faraz Mir noted, “Unlike other handicrafts in Kashmir, which are still being passed down through generations, leatherwork is becoming rare. Young people see more opportunities in other fields, and it breaks my heart to think our craft might die with us.”

He added, “We try to teach the younger generation, but they’re less interested in this line of work. They opt for more modern careers. If we don't find a way to engage them, this beautiful tradition may just vanish.”

The absence of youth willing to join the trade compounds the problem, driven by the lack of opportunities and incentives. “If the government doesn’t step in, I fear for the future of our industry,” Mir warned. “We need support, training, and a revival of interest in our work to keep this tradition alive.”

Despite the evident decline, there appears to be minimal government intervention. Artisans are calling for immediate action to address the imbalance caused by the influx of foreign competition. “It has been over a decade since we have seen any real support from the government,” Bhat emphasizes. “We need help to revitalize our industry and preserve this invaluable part of our culture.”

As the crisis deepens, local artisans are determined to advocate for change. Their survival hinges on the community's recognition of the value of traditional craftsmanship and the urgent need for governmental support to navigate the challenges posed by global competition.