2 weeks ago
J&K Handicraft Exports Rise as Artisans Report Stagnant Returns
Jammu and Kashmir sells many handmade products to other places.
These exports were worth ₹817.39 crore in 2025-26.
More than 13,000 artisans and weavers were added to the official register.
However, many craftspeople say they are not earning much more money.
A weaver may work 10 to 12 hours and earn only ₹500 to ₹600 a day.
Some Kani shawls take months or even years to finish.
Machine-made copies can be produced faster and sold more cheaply.
Officials say geographical indication tags help stop fake products from being sold as traditional ones.
Artisans say they also need better pay and protection from cheap imitations to keep young people interested in the crafts.
Jammu and Kashmir’s handicraft exports reached ₹817.39 crore in 2025-26.
The territory added 13,264 registered artisans and weavers during the current financial year.
Registered artisans and weavers now total 4,61,381, while first-quarter 2026-27 exports stood at ₹73.85 crore.
Artisans report daily earnings of about ₹500–₹600, rising input costs and competition from machine-made products.
Officials say geographical indication tags and expanded registration are helping protect traditional crafts.
- Who
- Jammu and Kashmir’s handicraft sector, including artisans, weavers and Handicrafts Department officials.
- What
- Handicraft exports reached ₹817.39 crore, but artisans say low earnings and competition are limiting their benefits.
- Where
- Jammu and Kashmir, including craft centres in Srinagar and Jammu.
- When
- Exports reached that level in 2025-26; first-quarter 2026-27 exports were ₹73.85 crore. The report was published on August 19, 2026.
- Why
- Rising input costs, machine-made imitations and largely unchanged wages are reducing artisans’ returns, while officials cite GI tagging and registration efforts to protect the sector.
Artisans’ concerns
Officials’ response
Income and costs
Artisans’ concerns
Artisans say rising costs for fabric, thread and other inputs have not been matched by higher wages, leaving daily earnings low.
Officials’ response
Officials point to the sector’s export value and expanded formal registration, but the article does not cite a specific government measure addressing wage levels.
Machine-made competition
Artisans’ concerns
Craftspeople say machine-made products are faster and cheaper, making it difficult for handmade carpets and Kani shawls to compete.
Officials’ response
Officials say geographical indication tagging has helped prevent counterfeit products from being sold as genuine traditional crafts.
Future workforce
Artisans’ concerns
Artisans say uncertain returns are discouraging younger people from learning crafts that require years of training.
Officials’ response
Officials say registration and GI protection efforts are strengthening the formal handicrafts network and safeguarding traditional products.
Key facts
- 2025-26 exports
- ₹817.39 crore
- First-quarter 2026-27 exports
- ₹73.85 crore
- New registrations
- 13,264 artisans and weavers
- Total registered workers
- 4,61,381 artisans and weavers
- Daily artisan earnings
- About ₹500–₹600
- Notified crafts
- 68
- GI-tagged crafts
- More than 18
Quotes
Bashir Ahmad
Carpet weaver in Jammu and Kashmir
“"The cost of fabric, thread and other inputs has increased, but our wages have remained almost the same over the last few years."”
thehindubusinessline.com
“"A weaver works 10 to 12 hours and then earns only a few hundred rupees."”
thehindubusinessline.com
Sources
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