Kashmir handicraft GI centres to get major upgrades amid rising demand
Srinagar, Oct 17: With growing concern over cheap machine-made imitations, the demand for Geographical Indication (GI) tagging of Kashmiri handicrafts has surged. Artisans, exporters, and traders are now calling for upgraded infrastructure and increased manpower at the certification centres in the Craft Development Institute, Srinagar, to cope with rising demand.
The Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar, along with its Pashmina Quality Testing & Certification Centre (PQTCC), serves as the nodal authority for GI certification in the region.
Established in 2004 by the Ministry of Textiles and the J&K Industries and Commerce Department, IICT provides technical training, design development, research support, and quality assurance for carpet and handicraft artisans. PQTCC ensures the scientific validation of hand-spun Pashmina and other traditional crafts, preventing counterfeiting and safeguarding export credibility.
Manzoor Ahmad Wangoo, chairman of the Nigeen Tourism Traders Association, said, “GI certification is a game-changer for Kashmir’s handicrafts. It protects artisans from unfair competition, stops machine-made or fake items from flooding the market, and assures buyers of authenticity. But the current facilities are overwhelmed. Long waiting periods are hurting both producers and exporters. We need more testing machines, more trained staff, and faster processing to meet growing awareness and demand.”
Mussarat Islam, Director of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir, outlined the measures being taken to improve GI testing.
“We are steadily strengthening our laboratory infrastructure. One HR Digital Microscope has already been procured, while the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is under tendering, with the first instalment received from the government. Another HR Digital Microscope has been sanctioned, and funds have been released. Tendering for PTQCC is also underway. We are now targeting the OFDA 2000, which will enhance mobility and efficiency in testing. Upgradation of the QCD and IICT labs has been approved, and manpower has been augmented. Our daily testing rate, which earlier stood at around 25–30, has now reached 85–90 samples and often touches 100. Once additional machines are in place, the backlog will be cleared. We are also working to increase the number of authorised GI users.”
Since its introduction, GI tagging has been extended to 18 traditional crafts in Jammu and Kashmir, including Kashmiri Pashmina, Kani shawls, Sozni embroidery, hand-knotted carpets, Papier Mâché, Khatamband woodwork, and walnut carving. Six more crafts, including copperware, silverware, houseboats, Tapestry, Kashmir Tilla, and Aari Stappe embroidery, are under consideration for registration.
Parvez Ahmad, a handicraft exporter, added, “Machine-made goods passing off as handmade hurt artisan incomes and damage Kashmir’s global reputation. GI certification guarantees authenticity and ensures our crafts remain valued in international markets.”
Officials highlight that GI tags not only preserve cultural heritage but also boost export potential and strengthen artisans’ livelihoods. With increased awareness among consumers and artisans, experts stress the need for expanded infrastructure, modern testing equipment, and skilled personnel at IICT and PQTCC to meet the surging demand.
