GI tag playing pivotal role in preserving authenticity of traditional Kashmir crafts

Srinagar: Kashmir is renowned for its rich heritage of traditional craftsmen who have mastered age-old skills in creating exquisite crafts like Pashmina textiles, paper machie, and wood carving.
These crafts not only represent the cultural identity of the region but also contribute significantly to its economy. In recent years, the implementation of Geographical Indication (GI) tagging has played a pivotal role in preserving the authenticity of these traditional crafts and promoting them on a global scale.
To fight counter branding, nine products of Kashmir were issued Geographical Indicator, GI Tags in 2021. The products include Kani Shawl, Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Sozini Craft, Kashmir Papier-Mâché, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, Kashmiri Hand Knotted Carpet and Kashmir Saffron. Later on few more products were added to the list.
While a chairing a meeting of the Industries and Commerce Department recently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “GI Tagging has offered enormous potential to transform handicraft sector and to boost export and authenticity of products like Pashmina must be ensured for export.”
Pertinently, Pashmina is considered as the finest and most luxurious wool, has been an integral part of Kashmir’s heritage for centuries. The art of weaving Pashmina shawls and garments has been passed down through generations, with skills honed in every corner of the valley. However, due to the influx of cheaper imitations flooding the market, there was a real threat to the authenticity of genuine Pashmina products. To protect this artistic and cultural treasure, the Pashmina GI Tag was introduced to ensure that only products made within the region receive this prestigious label.
According to the officials the GI tagging for Pashmina has not only helped in distinguishing genuine products but has also aided in preserving traditional weaving techniques and providing skilled artisans with fair compensation for their craftsmanship. It has also given a much-needed boost to the sector by enhancing the marketability of authentic Pashmina products worldwide.
“Similarly, paper machie, an ancient craft of creating intricate handcrafted artifacts using papier-mache pulp, was facing challenges from counterfeit products threatening its existence. Artisans meticulously create unique designs and patterns, adding vibrant colors to their creations. By obtaining a GI tag for paper machie in 2019, Kashmiri craftsmen gained recognition for their exceptional skills, protecting the craft from being drowned amidst cheap and mass-produced imitations flooding the market,” an official told Precious Kashmir.
He said, “The GI tagging not only acts as a seal of authenticity but also enables artisans to command higher prices for their products, ensuring economic stability and the continuation of this traditional craft. The GI tag has significantly boosted the recognition of Kashmiri handicrafts, leading to increased demand both domestically and internationally.”

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