Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Tuesday raised concerns over the sharp decline in Kashmir’s handicraft exports and pressed for policy interventions during a workshop on “Capacity Building and Export Promotion” organised by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in Srinagar.
KCCI president Javid Ahmad Tenga led the Chamber’s delegation, which included several exporters from the Valley.
The workshop was attended by Joint Director DGFT Utpal Kumar, Assistant Director General Aditya Singh Chauhan, officials from J&K Bank and representatives of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
Kumar outlined the Centre’s ₹25,060-crore Export Promotion Mission and highlighted new incentives, digital export-support platforms and opportunities created by lower import duties abroad. He urged exporters to remain updated with global trends and make use of portals such as Trade Connect and the India Trade Portal. Chauhan also briefed participants on schemes available for export promotion.
Addressing the workshop, Tenga said Kashmir’s traditional export sectors urgently need revival. “Kashmir is known worldwide for tourism and handicrafts. However, our handicrafts have seen a decline in the last couple of years.
In 2023–24 our exports were ₹1,162 crore, which fell to ₹733 crore in 2024–25,” he said. He noted that the fall reflects distress among artisans and exporters, and said KCCI is actively working to restore growth and increase export volumes.
Tenga informed DGFT officials that KCCI has already met Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, submitting detailed recommendations to revive the handicraft sector, protect artisan livelihoods and strengthen competitiveness. KCCI has set a target of increasing Kashmir’s exports to ₹5,000 crore over the next four to five years.
He flagged several challenges, including the ceiling of ₹438 imposed after MEIS was replaced by RoSCTL, which he said disadvantages high-value handmade products. He sought a review of the cap and called for a separate HSN code for value-added handmade shawls to safeguard the sector. He requested DGFT to take up these recommendations with the Centre. Kumar assured that the issues would be examined once a detailed written representation is submitted.
Tenga also expressed concern over the withdrawal of the Export Interest Subvention from January 1, 2025, saying it has hit exporters. He said the new Export Promotion Mission includes provisions for interest subvention and demanded that the benefit be given retrospective effect to compensate exporters for the interim gap.
He stressed that as DGFT is the nodal agency for the new Mission, stronger market access must be ensured for Kashmiri exporters in international exhibitions so that local handicrafts regain their global presence.
Once the Export Promotion Scheme becomes operational, KCCI plans to hold a seminar in Srinagar to guide startups and exporters on availing incentives in coordination with DGFT and banking institutions.
KCCI reaffirmed its commitment to reviving the handicraft sector, strengthening exports and ensuring sustained support for Kashmir’s artisan community and business fraternity.
