Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today asked handicrafts dealers to ensure that enough money was given to artisans whose skill and magical workmanship was responsible for high returns on such products.
"Unless you give them deserving share of the profits you earn by the sale of these products, I fear, they will lose their enthusiasm and interest in this trade.
"If an artisan does not earn substantial living from his skill and the product which fetches handsome amounts at the terminal market, why should he stick to this activity?" Omar said at the Federation of Indian Export Organisations' (FIEO) meet here.
The Chief Minister said while the government was taking all efforts to strengthen the artisans' economy by various initiatives, the basic responsibility was on exporters and traders to ensure remunerative returns to artisans.
Omar said the economic welfare of artisans and converting their workmanship to a lucrative business was the need of the hour. "...The offspring of master craftsmen do not want to venture in this field. They instead want to struggle for getting some government jobs than to take up handicrafts which has earned name and fame to Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
He also identified the areas where the state possesses high potential for being a successful exporter. "Instead of becoming jack of all trades we want to be the masters in few and our world famous handicrafts and handloom sectors, spices, fresh and dry fruit, leather products and electronics could be our focus," he said.
"We have encouraged entrepreneurs to construct Controlled Atmosphere Storages for fruit and with the completion of four-laning of National Highway and Railway link between Udhampur to Banihal, the transportation of fruit in refrigerated vans and trucks will be a reality," he said.
Omar said his government has initiated measures for re-generation of silk and leather industries in the state.
Referring to the special certificating mechanism put in place by the government for certifying Kashmir Pashmina, Omar said the state has already got Geographical Indicator for Pashmina and five more handicrafts. He said there is a need to balance exports and imports to strengthen the state's economy and ensure benefits to the people.
