Srinagar, Nov 14: SPVLG Artisans Foundation, in collaboration with the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, organised a stakeholder workshop under Project SIDBI CARES FANKAAR to strengthen the artisan ecosystem and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities across Jammu and Kashmir.

Funded by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the initiative brought together government officials, craft experts, institutional representatives, prominent artisans and civil society members to discuss ways to improve the sector.
The workshop was attended by Deputy Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir Arjumand Yaqoob, Assistant Director Sadiya, NIFT Assistant Professor Mohd. Javed Jamal, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) representative Khubaib and Craft Development Institute (CDI) Senior Faculty Sajid Nazir.
Prominent artisans, including Padma Shri awardee and walnut craft master Ghulam Nabi Dar, also participated in the deliberations.
Chairman SPVLG Artisans Foundation Mohd. Ashraf Wani briefed participants about the organisation’s work and outlined the objectives and proposed interventions under Project SIDBI CARES FANKAAR. He stressed the need for institutional collaboration to improve artisans’ access to finance, technology and markets.
Arjumand Yaqoob emphasised design diversification, innovation and the adoption of e-commerce platforms to help artisans reach wider markets while preserving the traditional identity of Kashmiri crafts.
Khubaib briefed participants about government welfare schemes, including the Pehchan Card and pension benefits, and urged artisans to avail themselves of available support.
Sajid Nazir highlighted the importance of Geographical Indication (GI) certification in protecting traditional knowledge, establishing product authenticity and enhancing the market value of Kashmiri crafts.
NIFT Assistant Professor Mohd. Javed Jamal and other stakeholders shared suggestions on improving product design, quality, innovation and enterprise development.
The discussions also focused on challenges related to institutional finance, enterprise formalisation, digital integration, market linkages, product authentication and awareness of welfare schemes. Participants called for stronger coordination among government departments, financial institutions and technical institutions to build a supportive ecosystem for artisans.
The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks, with SPVLG Artisans Foundation reaffirming its commitment to promoting traditional crafts, strengthening artisan enterprises and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in Kashmir.