Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga inaugurated “Dast-e-Hunnar” National Handloom Expo-2017 organized by the Directorate of Handloom Development in collaboration with Development Commissioner Handloom, Union Ministry of Textiles at Kala Kendra, here today.Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi, was also present on the occasion.About 60 societies from different parts of the state are participating in the 14 day expo.The Minister inspected various stalls and evinced keen interest in products showcased as part of the expo including silk exhibits, classic Pashmina shawls, world famous Kaani shawls, embroidered shawls, Basohli Pashmina shawls besides many other wares.Speaking on the occasion, Ganga said that traditional hand weaving technique is one of the richest and the most vibrant aspects of cultural heritage of the state. He said the level of artistry and intricacy achieved in the handloom fabrics produced in the state is unique and unparallel.The Minister stressed on adopting modern means for promotion of handloom products adding that effective marketing is of utmost significance to make handloom a profitable and self reliant organization. He added that Handloom Development Department, Handloom Corporation and the Handicrafts Departments would be organizing such Expos on regular intervals at national and international level to promote state’s crafts.
The Minister said that government is contemplating establishment of an international trade centre in Jammu to facilitate artisans and weavers besides promoting handloom sector to larger extent.Farooq Andrabi said that lakh of people especially women folk are associated with handloom industry and government is committed to provide every facility for development of Handloom sector in the state. He further said that such events provide an opportunity to the customers buy variety of goods under one roof on reasonable rates.On the occasion, a scintillating cultural programme was presented by the artists of Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages which was highly appreciated by the audience.Earlier, Director Handloom Department, Rajesh Sharma highlighted the activities of the department and initiatives being taken up for development of Handloom Industry.Director Handicraft Department, Director Industries and Commerce Jammu, Managing Directors besides senior officers of Handloom and other concerned departments were present on the occasion.