Flood aftermath: Handicraft exports decline by `490 cr
During 2014-15, the handicraft sector clocked Rs 1204.33 crore businesses in export segment which is less by Rs 491 crore from Rs 1695.65 crore exports registered in 2013-14.
While the September floods caused immense losses to the trade and commerce in Kashmir, it has not left the handicraft sector unscathed either.
According to official estimates, the Handicraft sector has registered a whopping Rs 491 crore decline in exports.
Official data accessed reveals that for the first time in last five years, the handicraft exports in 2014-15 have slipped below Rs 1,300 crore.
During 2014-15, the handicraft sector clocked Rs 1204.33 crore businesses in export segment which is less by Rs 491 crore from Rs 1695.65 crore exports registered in 2013-14.
Out of Rs 1204.33 crore exports, the carpet exports contributed Rs 409.47 crore which is less by Rs 142.43 crore. In 2013-14 carpet export figures were Rs 551.90 crore.
In 2014-15, shawls worth Rs 368.72 were exported to foreign countries from Jammu and Kashmir. However, in comparison to 2013-14, the export of shawls has witnessed steep decline by Rs 211crore. As in 2013-14, the export of shawls had scaled up to Rs 579.72 crore.
On contrary, papier machie exports has increased by Rs 31 crore in 2014-15. In 2014-15 papier machie goods worth Rs 71.70 crore were exported as compare to Rs 39.96 crore for 2013-14.
Export of other handicraft items ( which include wood carving, crewel etc) in 2014-15 is pegged at Rs 524.07 crore which is down by Rs 169.74 crore in comparison to export of Rs 354.96 crore recorded in 2013-14.
Around 95 handicraft items are being manufactured in Kashmir province. The decline in export has an adverse impact on more than 6 lakh artisans and craftsmen of Kashmir.
Director Handicraft, Tariq Hussain Ganai acknowledged decline in export in 2014-15.
“Floods had a severe impact on the handicraft sector. September is the peak month during which our handicraft artisans and exporters are busy preparing items for export. But last year we witnessed worst ever urban floods which incurred huge losses to the handicraft sector,” Ganai said.
He added that in export segment there is shortfall of Rs 490 crore in comparison to export recorded in 2013-14. “But as per our projections, the handicraft export for 2014-15 should have increased from 2013-14, but floods washed away any hopes.”
Interestingly, out of Rs 1204.33 crore exports recorded in the handicraft sector, the official data reveals that out of total transactions, Rs 1186.13 crore businesses was done through JK Bank.
However, the stakeholders demand that JK Bank should do more to uplift the handicraft sector by providing soft loans at minimum interest rates.
President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad stated handicraft sector is being neglected by the government and financial institutions.
“2014-15 was a disaster for our handicraft sector as exports plunged and at the same time our poor artisans and craftsmen incurred huge losses. But government is insensitive towards them,” Ashiq said, adding that JK Bank also needs to come forward to help artisans and waive off their loans like waiver of KCC loans for farmers was announced in the budget.
He reiterated the demand for having separate ministry for Handicrafts. “Currently handicraft sector is clubbed with various other industries. But it would be prudent if there is separate ministry to look after handicraft sector. Like Iran (big exporter of carpets) has separate ministry for carpets why can’t we have. If tourism is a separate ministry in JK, I fail to understand why the handicraft sector which has huge potential, is meted out step-motherly treatment,” he added.
Ashiq urged the state government to come up with export policy in order to boost export of handicraft.
