Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 15: Minister for Industries and Commerce, S S Slathia has called for development and production of market driven handloom products of high standard quality that would yield in better returns. He has also urged for adopting modern marketing channels to boost handloom sales in a big way, adding that engaging Travel Agents and Tourists Guides on commission basis for promotion campaign could also be beneficial for the purpose.
The Minister was speaking after inaugurating renovated Handloom Showroom at Silk Weaving Factory, Solina Rambag today. The showroom is a blend of old and modern art works and is considered as a credible and genuine source for handloom products.
The Minister, while inspecting various stalls in the showroom, directed the management to focus on attracting tourists and customers, adding that hoardings about handloom products under the brand name of “POSHISH” should be installed at prominent places and tourists destinations to make the tourists and customers aware about the new blends and latest designs in fabrics.
“Production of quality fabrics in new designs and colour schemes at market competitive price is of vital significance to attract customers in large numbers”, Mr. Slathia said while directing concerned officers to distribute modernized looms to the weavers without any delay as it was imperative to enhance productivity and quality
The Managing Director, Handloom Development Corporation (HDC), Mauzam informed the Minister that in 16 working days, sales to the tune of Rs. 3.88 lakh with an average of Rs. 24000 has been conducted in the showroom.
The Economic Advisor to Govt., Jalil Ahmad Khan, Commissioner/Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Shantmanu, Director, Industries Kashmir, Meraj-ud-Din Kenoo, Director, Handicrafts, Muzaffar Hussain, Director Handlooms, B. R. Sharma, Director Geology and Mining, Farooq Ahmad Khan, Managing Director, Handloom Development Corporation (HDC), M. Mauzam, Managing Director SICOP, R.K. Tickoo , Managing Director, JKI, Javid Iqbal, Managing Director, JK Cement, Mr. R K Razdan, Managing Director, JK Minerals, V. C. Sharma and Secretary, KVIB, Ravinder Singh were also present on the occasion.