NABARD celebrates ‘National Handloom Day’ at Anantnag

ANANTNAG : NABARD today celebrated its 8th National Handloom Day with female artisans and weavers of Anantnag district at Town Hall Kokernag.

District Development Manager NABARD, Rouf Zargar was chief guest on the occasion and officers from Handloom and Handicraft department, NRLM, Banks and NGOs attended the programme.

The event was also attended by over 60 female artisans from the district.

Speaking on the occasion, DDM NABARD said that Kashmir has rich cultural heritage in art and crafts and there is immense scope for improving the quality of handmade products. He said that NABARD has been taking various initiatives for the Off- Farm Sector which include the formation of Off Farm Producer Organizations (OFPOs), Skill Development of the Weavers and Entrepreneurship development programmes.

In order to help artisans in marketing of their products, NABARD has been sponsoring the artisans for all India level exhibitions; besides NABARD also provides grant support for establishment of Rural Haat, and Rural Mart for local level marketing of the handloom and handicraft products. He said two such Rural Marts have been established by NABARD in Anantnag district which are run by Female SHGs.

Officers from the Handloom/handicraft department spoke regarding the schemes run by the department which are based on subsidy.

Lead Bank officer gave a detailed overview of bankable schemes such as weavers MUDRA scheme, Artisans credit Card Scheme, Direct Assistance to Handloom weavers and other credit subsidy-based schemes.