‘Implementation of TIFAC report key to boosting Kashmir willow bats global competitiveness’

Anantnag, Dec 10: Following the Government of India’s recognition of the Kashmir willow cricket bat as a handicraft, experts and manufacturers are seeking the implementation of Technology Information Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC) recommendations to enhance its global competitiveness.

TIFAC, an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, was established in 1988 to assess technology trends and forecast advancements.

Dr Saad Parvez, Head of the Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (IIEDC) at NIT Srinagar, stresses on the importance of technological interventions in improving the quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness of the Kashmir willow bat.

“Focusing on modernising manufacturing processes is essential to enhance our capabilities,” Dr Saad said.

He said that a technical report on bat willow processing is being finalised, which will provide the necessary expertise to improve the quality and visibility of the product, ultimately boosting sales globally.

“One significant recommendation includes adopting technological drying methods for willow clefts, which ensures superior quality compared to traditional natural drying methods,” Dr Saad said.

He also revealed a plan for a modern manufacturing unit at Sangam in Anantnag, aimed at upgrading the production process.

“The financial institution should step in to support the project,” Dr Saad said.

Last month, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized supporting the cricket willow bat industry during a meeting with 195 MSME clusters.

She instructed public sector banks to prioritize lending to MSMEs and ensure financial support under the Guarantee Emergency Credit Line (GECL).

Jammu and Kashmir bank during a Bat industry cluster meet also assured of providing requisite financial assistance.

Vice President of the Kashmir Bat Manufacturers’ Association, Fawzul Kabir, also stressed on the need for swift implementation of TIFAC recommendations and the inclusion of bat manufacturers under the Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme.

“ The assurance of the Union Ministry will surely help us in fulfilling the dream of Kashmir willow bat to compete at the global stage,” Kabir said.

He said that covering the bat manufacturers under the credit scheme should be the top priority of financial institutions.

“We demand priority sector lending and hope the government would ensure that,” said Kabir who is also the owner of GR8 Sports India private Limited Sangam.

In October, the Government of India’s recognition of the Kashmir willow cricket bat as a handicraft opened avenues for artisans to access various incentives, under schemes like the National Handicraft Development Programme (NHDP) and the Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS).

Director of Handloom and Handicrafts Kashmir, Mehmood Ahmad Shah, says that this recognition will enable handmade bat makers to avail benefits and improve their livelihood.

The century-old industry, valued at ₹700 crore, employs over 10,000 people in the region.

Despite its potential, the industry faces hurdles such as low demand, dwindling willow trees, and outdated drying methods.

Currently, 400 manufacturing units operate in South Kashmir, with 220 units concentrated in Bijbehara, Sangam, and Halmulah in Anantnag, and 180 units in Pulwama’s Pujteng, Sethar Charsoo, and Jawbara villages.

Approximately 35 lakh bats are exported annually to other states, but the lack of modern seasoning facilities forces manufacturers to rely on open-air drying, which compromises quality and increases weight due to higher moisture levels compared to English willow.

Raw materials are often sent to cities like Jalandhar and Meerut, where bats are branded and sold internationally, overshadowing Kashmir’s contributions.

The industry now advocates for Geographical Indication (GI) tagging to preserve authenticity and ensure fair recognition for Kashmir willow bats.

Shah said that the Jammu and Kashmir government is actively pursuing GI tagging, which would secure the industry’s unique heritage.