Handicrafts & Handloom Jammu signs MoU with NIFT Srinagar on designing, branding of Jammu Handicrafts

JAMMU, February 09: Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Jammu and National Institute of Fashion Technology, Srinagar today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here at Udyog Bhawan.

The MoU was signed in presence of Prashant Goyal, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce Department, J&K and Rohit Kansal, Union Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, (Director General NIFT).

The MoU was signed between the two parties under the project titled “DESIGNING INNOVATIVE & SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING AS A BRANDING INITIATIVE FOR HANDICRAFTS AND HANDLOOM SECTOR OF JAMMU”.

The MOU document was signed by Dr. Vikas Gupta,, Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Jammu, and Dr Javid Ahmed Wani, Director National Institute of Fashion Technology, Srinagar.

Secretary in Industries & Commerce Department, Smita Sethi; MD JKTPO, Khalid Jahangir; MD Handicrafts & Handloom Corporation, Atul Sharma  and other officers of the Industries & Commerce Department.

The objective of the MOU is to create a strategic and attractive packaging design solution for branding Jammu Handicraft and Handloom items in view of the fact that this sector possesses an enormous potential for growth, export and wealth creation and also employment generation.

Speaking on the occasion, Prashant Goyal, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce Department appreciated the effort  of entering into MoU with NIFT Srinagar as having professionally designed packaging prototypes, in tune with the market-demand, would definitely increase the sales of the products viz-a-viz wage earnings of our artisans and weavers.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Rohit Kansal, who is also DG NIFT, said that the Government of India is willing to support the artisans and weavers of Jammu and Kashmir in any capacity.

He said they can offer courses to these craftsmen to upgrade and enhance their skills so that the products of these artisans can have value addition for better marketing.

The project envisions evolving a roadmap to create unique & sustainable packaging to add value to the artefacts of the Jammu cottage industry, to give a unique packaging presentation to create a benchmark having international standards in global market and to determine the unique selling point of chosen Jammu Handicrafts and Handloom goods.

As part of the MoU packaging prototypes for products such as Basohli Paintings, Basohli Pashmina, Phulkari  embroidery, Lathe Cum Lacquer products and Calico printing  products  are expected in the 1st phase.

The artisans and weavers present on the occasion also interacted and gave their feedback regarding packaging/branding initiatives. to the dignitaries of the event.

Prototypes packaging along with the trims that give product data and product care instructions for specified crafts will also be among the deliverables.

The MoU intends to empower the craftsmen of the Jammu region by supporting them through better packaging and increased sales.