In the 36th India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2016 which was thrown open today at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, J&K Government has also set up its pavilion to showcase its achievements registered in key sectors like handicrafts and cottage industry.The Department of Industries and Commerce has organised a grand exhibition-cum-sale of handicrafts and cottage industry products to attract the people from different parts of the country. The exhibition was inaugurated by Director Handicrafts J&K, Peerzada Mushtaq Ahmad in presence of Joint Director Handicrafts, Kashmir, Mir Nazir Ahmad, Deputy Director Handicrafts, Miss Zeenat Ara, artisans and functionaries of Handicrafts and other departments. The Trade Fair which will continue upto 27th of November, 2016 has been represented by more than 40 artisans and entrepreneurs, a number of govt. departments viz.
Handicrafts, Handlooms, Industries, Horticulture, Floriculture, Tourism, J&K Handicrafts (Sales and Export corporation), Handloom Development Corporation, JK Industries ltd., SIDCO, SICOP, J&K Agro Industries Development Corporation, Khadi and Village Industries Board, J&K Apex Marketing Federation, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Federation of Industries and Commerce Kashmir and some Corporative Societies. They have set up their stalls and displayed varied products for promotion and sale.The special attraction of the event is the live demonstrations by the craftsmen of all the three regions of the state viz. Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. The artisans are demonstrating the weaving of Kani Shawl, crafting of paper Machie, Clay Moulding etc. The Handicrafts Department is also screening documentaries/informative videos about various crafts of the state.While interacting with the artisans, the Director Handicrafts urged the participants to ensure that only genuine products of the State are displayed during the exhibition. He said that the state government is spending huge amount to promote genuine handmade products and it shall be the responsibility of all stake holders to ensure that fake items are not sold in the name of Kashmiri Handicrafts. He also interacted with the officials of quality control who have been deployed to check the quality of the products displayed in the exhibition.