Kashmir: Rs 5 Cr Wool Processing Centre To Boost Kani Shawl Revival in Kanihama

SRINAGAR: The Jammu Kashmir government has said it is undertaking a comprehensive set of initiatives to revive and promote the world-famous Kani shawl weaving craft in Kanihama, Budgam, backed by new infrastructure projects, training schemes, and financial assistance for artisans. The centrepiece of this effort is a Rs 500 lakh Common Facility Centre for wool processing sanctioned by the Central Wool Development Board (CWDB) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

In a written reply to MLA Shafi Ahmad Wani, the Industries and Commerce Department said that 2,570 weavers have been registered for Kani shawl craft in Budgam district, including 142 artisans from Kanihama village alone. Four weaving units have also been formally registered in the village to strengthen organised production under the cluster-based approach. The department added that a Craft Village project at Kanihama, sanctioned in 2020 under the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), is being implemented by the District Development Commissioner, Budgam, to create a sustainable craft ecosystem near major tourist circuits.

The government said it has also established a Yarn Dyeing Facility worth Rs 259 lakh at the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, Srinagar, and procured a high-resolution digital microscope worth Rs 30 lakh to improve fibre testing and quality assurance. Raw Material Banks for Pashmina and wool worth Rs 200 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, respectively, have been sanctioned to ensure steady supply to weavers. In addition, a proposal for a dehairing plant costing Rs 550 lakh has been submitted to the CWDB for approval.

To promote marketing and sales, the department organised a GI Fair in Budgam from October 10–12, 2025, through the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO), showcasing the iconic GI-tagged Kani shawl. The event served as a direct platform for artisans to connect with national buyers, gain visibility, and promote the craft globally.

Officials said these interventions are part of a broader policy push under the Jammu Kashmir Wool Processing, Handloom and Handicrafts Policy, 2020, which focuses on artisan welfare, skill development, and market linkages. Among the key schemes supporting this effort are the Karkhandar Scheme (2021), the Financial Support Scheme for Cooperatives (2020), the Weavers’ Mudra Scheme (2013), and the Credit Card Scheme for Weavers.

Since its inception, the government’s 106 handloom training centres across Jammu Kashmir have trained 2,431 artisans, helping rejuvenate traditional weaving crafts. The department also provides recognition through UT-level awards, ensures fair wages through the Minimum Support Price mechanism, and facilitates GI branding for quality assurance.

Officials said that with new processing and training infrastructure, the Kanihama Craft Village is being developed not only as a production hub but also as a living showcase of Kashmir’s handloom heritage, where visitors can experience the intricate artistry of Kani shawl weaving firsthand.