Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Srinagar, successfully conducted a Capacity Building Programme today at the Conference Hall, Kashmir Haat, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative.
The programme, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of GI, ODOP, and DEH-registered artisans and weavers in the areas of branding and packaging, witnessed an enthusiastic participation of over 100 craftspeople from across the Kashmir region.
The event was graced by Sudershan Kumar, Managing Director, Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO), as the Chief Guest. Also in attendance were Mussarat Islam, Director, Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir; Dr. Monika Gupta, Director NIFT Srinagar; Zubair Ahmad, Director IICT, officers from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department; officials from CDI, faculty/experts from NIFT Srinagar.
Sudershan Kumar emphasized the crucial role of entrepreneurship in today’s market and urged artisans to explore RAMP-linked initiatives being implemented through the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom and other organizations like JKEDI, SIDBI, etc.
He advocated for strong branding, innovative packaging, and media outreach to capture wider markets and assured consideration of the stall fee waiver request made by the Director, H&H.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mussarat Islam highlighted the department’s efforts under the RAMP programme to strengthen the handicrafts and handloom ecosystem. He assured full facilitation to artisans and weavers and urged the MD, JKTPO to consider waiving exhibition stall fees for department-registered craftspeople at local, national, and international platforms - a move that would significantly aid in their socio-economic upliftment.
Dr. Monika Gupta, Director NIFT Srinagar, reiterated NIFT's commitment to supporting the sector and announced that a reserved seat at NIFT is available for children of artisans and weavers wishing to pursue design education. She also encouraged participants to provide feedback to help refine future training modules.
This session marked the second in a series of capacity building programmes being rolled out by the Directorate under the RAMP framework.
A dynamic Q&A session allowed participants to voice their concerns and queries, which were duly addressed.
The event concluded successfully, aligning with the department’s broader vision to build resilient, brand-conscious, and market-ready artisan communities across Jammu & Kashmir