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KATHUA: To enhance market integration and economic prospects of traditional artisans, the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Srinagar, on Wednesday organised a one-day capacity building workshop on Packaging and Branding at the Conference Hall, DC Office Complex Kathua.
The workshop was hosted by the Office of the Assistant Director Handicrafts and Handloom under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme. Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Sharma- the Chief Guest inaugurated the workshop.
In his address, the Deputy Commissioner underscored the significance of packaging and branding in enhancing product value, visibility and market reach of handicraft and handloom products. He appreciated the initiatives being undertaken under the RAMP scheme and emphasised that sustained capacity building, skill upgradation and market linkage support are essential for ensuring sustainable livelihoods for artisans and preserving the regionâs rich craft heritage.
Resource persons from NIFT Srinagar delivered detailed presentations on contemporary packaging and branding practices. They also briefed the participants on the role of NIFT and the range of professional courses and training programmes offered by the institute, which can be availed by artisans and craft-based entrepreneurs for further skill enhancement and market orientation.
The workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from artisans, weavers and field functionaries from across the district. Expert-led technical sessions were followed by extensive interactive discussions, enabling participants to directly engage with resource persons, seek clarifications and deliberate on practical challenges related to product presentation, branding strategies, pricing and access to wider markets.
Assistant Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Kathua, Ekshu Sharma outlined a comprehensive roadmap for systematic skill upgradation and improved market orientation of artisans. She highlighted planned interventions under the RAMP scheme, including regular capacity building programmes, technology support, exposure to branding and packaging standards, and strengthened market linkage mechanisms to enable artisans to compete effectively in wider markets and achieve sustainable income growth.
