CM Omar Abdullah Unveils ‘Know Your Artisan’ Initiative to Globalize J&K’s Craft Heritage; Launches Advanced GI Testing Lab at Kashmir Haat | Read More

SRINAGAR, April 15, 2026:- In a significant move to elevate the regional handicraft sector, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the ‘Know Your Artisan’ programme at Kashmir Haat as part of the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom’s ‘Soulful Kashmir’ campaign.

Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and other high-ranking officials, the Chief Minister underscored that local craftsmen are the true ambassadors of Jammu & Kashmir’s cultural legacy.

Beyond the cultural showcase, the event marked a technological leap for the industry with the inauguration of a new GI Testing Lab, high-precision fiber analysis equipment, and the launch of the ‘DesignNWeave’ software.

These tools, developed by IICT Srinagar, are designed to safeguard the authenticity of ‘Brand J&K’ and provide artisans with modern design capabilities.

During the event, the Chief Minister actively participated in the ‘Try Your Hands’ segment, personally attempting the arduous process of yarn warping used in Pashmina weaving to highlight the physical labor behind these luxury products.

He toured the main exhibition gallery, which features 30 specialized stalls hosted by National and State Awardees, and directed the department to institutionalize the ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative as a permanent fixture to ensure direct market access for weavers.

Emphasizing the need for fair value and global visibility, Omar Abdullah urged both locals and tourists to visit Kashmir Haat to witness the “magical hands” of Kashmiri artisans at work.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding these promotional events across multiple locations, aiming for the sustained socio-economic upliftment of the artisan community.