J&K pushes for GI tags on 14 more handicrafts to protect artisans, heritage
Srinagar, Oct 25: In a significant move to safeguard Kashmir’s handicraft legacy, the Jammu and Kashmir government has applied for Geographical Indication (GI) registration for 14 additional crafts, officials informed. The initiative comes amid declining exports and a rising threat from counterfeit and machine-made products.
Currently, the region has 63 notified crafts, of which 18 already hold GI status—15 from Kashmir and three from Jammu.
Speaking to Greater Kashmir Musarrat Islam, Director of Handicrafts and Handloom, said the administration is targeting GI certification for six more crafts by the end of the financial year, with the ultimate goal of obtaining GI tags for all regional crafts.“A GI tag ensures that our products and artisans are protected and that the cultural identity of our crafts is preserved. Our aim is to achieve GI registration for all crafts so that our artisan community benefits,” Islam said.
Javid Ahmad Tenga, President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), elaborated on the importance of the initiative: “Handicrafts in Kashmir are not just products; they are a legacy that dates back centuries, brought to us by Shah-e-Hamdan (RA). Over time, these crafts have defined our culture and supported thousands of artisan families." "Unfortunately, exports have fallen drastically—from Rs 1,162 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 733 crore in 2024-25—showing the challenges our sector faces today. While it is encouraging that the government is seeking GI tags for more crafts, we urge the administration to ensure proper testing and certification at fast pace. This step is vital to protecting authenticity and fighting counterfeits that flood the market. GI registration is not just a legal formality; it is a lifeline for artisans, a guarantee of quality for buyers, and a way to preserve Kashmir’s cultural identity. We hope this initiative will open new opportunities for domestic and international marketing and help revitalise the handicraft economy.”
In 2024, eight crafts were awarded GI status, including Kashmir Namda, Kashmir Gabba, Kashmir Willow Bat, Kashmir Tweed, Crewel, Kashmir Chain Stitch, Shikara, and Wagguv. The certification ensures these products remain unique to their geographical origin and are produced using traditional methods, preserving their authenticity and cultural significance.
Geographical Indications, globally recognized under the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement in 1994, were formalized in India through the GI of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The first GI in India was awarded to Darjeeling Tea. By securing GI tags, Jammu and Kashmir seeks not only to preserve centuries-old artisanal knowledge but also to ensure financial benefits for craftsmen, protect against imitation, and enhance the state’s identity in global handicraft markets.
