New Lease of Life for Kashmir’s Namda Craft

In-house wool carding to cut outsourcing costs and strengthen livelihoods of Namda artisans

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 21: In a major fillip for revival of the indigenous Namda craft of Kashmir, Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir today awarded contract for the Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning (SITC) of card cloth for wool carding machine through Mechanical & Hospitals Engineering Department.

The commissioned wool carding machine has an annual processing capacity of approximately 29,000 Kgs of wool. This enhanced capacity is expected to significantly strengthen the local value chain associated with the traditional Namda craft. The installation of this facility will substantially reduce the cost incurred on outsourcing wool carding, thereby directly benefiting artisans engaged in the Namda craft.

In a press statement issued by the department today, Deputy Director UNDP, Mirza Shahid Ali, said J&K is the second largest producer of wool fibre in India and ranks first in the production of Merino wool, despite this advantage, a substantial portion of raw wool has traditionally been sent outside J&K for carding, resulting in higher costs and delays.

He further stated, “This initiative is cost-effective, efficient and less labour-intensive and will play a major role in strengthening sustainable livelihoods, enhancing productivity and preserving Kashmir’s rich handicraft heritage, especially Namda which is in a revival mode”.

The department reiterated its commitment to providing modern infrastructure and technical support to traditional crafts, ensuring their revival, sustainability, and global competitiveness.