Srinagar: The Authorities of India has formally designated the ‘Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat’ as a handicraft merchandise, marking a big improvement for artisans and producers in Jammu and Kashmir. This transfer, initiated by the Ministry of Textiles, goals to raise the Kashmir willow bat trade, positioning it to compete with the internationally acknowledged English willow bat.
The choice will enable bat producers to entry monetary help, coaching, and welfare applications underneath schemes just like the Nationwide Handicrafts Growth Program (NHDP) and the Complete Handicrafts Cluster Growth Scheme (CHCDS). By way of these applications, the federal government seeks to increase the handicraft sector’s assist to embody conventional crafts throughout India. The itemizing additionally paves the way in which for artisans to acquire identification playing cards, facilitating smoother entry to authorities assist and incentives.
Fawzul Kabir, Spokesperson and Vice President of the Cricket Bat Affiliation Kashmir, highlighted the trade’s enthusiasm for the brand new recognition. “The handicrafts division has included Kashmir willow bat as a handicraft merchandise. It has introduced pleasure to the trade, and it’ll convey glory. We have been solely given consideration by the Industries and Commerce Division, however now, since Kashmir willow shall be displayed on platforms the place Kashmiri artwork is showcased the world over, the world will get to find out about Kashmir cricket bats, and it will assist the artisans,” Kabir said.
The Kashmir cricket bat trade, primarily positioned in Anantnag and Pulwama, helps over 400 manufacturing items and offers livelihoods for 1000’s of artisans expert in crafting premium-quality bats. This sector not solely boosts native employment however preserves a centuries-old custom by combining craftsmanship with sport. With the brand new handicraft standing, the trade expects elevated exports, bolstering each the ‘Make in India’ initiative and Kashmir’s distinctive contributions to cricket.
Kashmir Handicrafts Director Mehmood Ahmad Shah emphasised the benefits for the trade: “The transfer by the Authorities of India to open handicraft schemes for bat producers will profit them. Schemes like cluster improvement and lots of others shall be made accessible to them. The Handicrafts Division understands the potential of Kashmir willow, and we now have submitted a file for GI (Geographical Indication) of Kashmir willow. We hope it’ll occur quickly.”
By including Kashmir willow bats to the official handicraft listing, the trade can showcase these merchandise at international artwork and craft exhibitions, bringing worldwide recognition to this distinctive craft.
Muzaffar Ahmad, Handicraft Officer in Anantnag, underscored the potential affect on native artisans: “The bat-making artisans will get plenty of profit from this inclusion. Now they’ll turn out to be widespread all around the world. It is usually an important alternative for them to showcase their expertise on the worldwide degree.”
This initiative is predicted to reinforce the repute of Kashmir willow bats, setting them up as a viable various to the English willow bat on the worldwide stage.
