The total export value of Kashmiri crafts over the past four years has reached Rs 3,477.31 crore. This includes exports from four key categories viz. carpets, woollen shawls, papier-mâché, and other items such as chain stitch, crewel, and wood carving.
According to data, the year 2020-21 witnessed a significant impact on exports, particularly in the carpet and woollen shawl sectors, but the industry has since shown a robust recovery.
The category of “Other items” (including chain stitch, crewel, and wood carving) demonstrated consistent exports, with a notable increase in the last two years. The total export value peaked at Rs 1,162.29 crore in 2023-24, signalling a strong resurgence.
In 2020-21, the total exports of Kashmiri crafts were valued at Rs 635.52 crore. Carpet exports stood at Rs 299.56 crore, woollen shawls at Rs 172.53 crore, papier-mâché at Rs 13.27 crore, and other items at Rs 150.16 crore.
These figures reflect the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted global trade and the demand for handicrafts.
The following year, 2021-22, saw a decline in total exports, which dropped to Rs 563.13 crore. Carpet exports fell to Rs 251.06 crore, while woollen shawls brought in Rs 165.98 crore. Papier-mâché exports remained stable at Rs 13.25 crore, while other items saw a decrease to Rs 132.84 crore. The decline is attributed to continued disruptions in global supply chains due to the pandemic.
A strong recovery in the handicraft export sector was recorded in 2022-23, with total exports rising sharply to Rs 1,116.37 crore. Carpet exports surged to Rs 357.21 crore, and woollen shawls saw a significant increase to Rs 424.20 crore.
Although papier-mâché exports fell to Rs 8.51 crore, the “Other items” category experienced a robust rise to Rs 326.45 crore. This growth was driven by increased global demand as markets began recovering from the pandemic’s effects.
In 2023-24, total exports reached Rs 1,162.29 crore, the highest during the four-year period. Carpet exports were valued at Rs 317.33 crore, woollen shawls continued their growth to Rs 477.24 crore, and papier-mâché exports rose to Rs 38.44 crore.
The “Other items” category, including chain stitch, crewel, and wood carving, contributed Rs 329.28 crore in exports. (KNO)