Awantipora, Feb 26 (JKNS): A one-day Stakeholder Workshop on Development and Promotion of Micro Enterprises in the Cricket Bat Industry of Jammu & Kashmir was successfully organized by SPVLG Artisans Foundation with support from Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) at CIED IUST Foundation, Awantipora.
The workshop was chaired by Prof. Pervaiz Ahmad, Director, CIED–CIED IUST Foundation, Innovation Campus IUST Awantipora Kashmir, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, Prof. Pervaiz Ahmad emphasized the urgent need for well-defined government policy decisions for effective raw material management, particularly willow wood, which is the backbone of the cricket bat industry. He highlighted that the future sustainability of the bat industry depends on collaborative efforts among government departments, financial institutions, research bodies, and industry stakeholders.
The event was attended by Shri Dheeraj Verma, AGM, SIDBI; Riyaz Ahmad Wani, Range Officer, Forest Department; Sajad Ahmad from Craft Development Institute Srinagar (CDI); representatives from the Handloom and Handicrafts Department, banking institutions, and a large number of cricket bat manufacturers, owners, and association heads from the bat cluster.
During the interactive sessions, manufacturers raised serious concerns regarding the availability of willow plantations and access to land for large-scale plantation, which is critical to ensure uninterrupted raw material supply for future generations and to safeguard livelihoods linked to the bat industry.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Dheeraj Verma, AGM SIDBI, elaborated on SIDBI’s interventions for improving market access, enterprise strengthening, and financial support to micro and small enterprises. He reaffirmed SIDBI’s commitment to providing every possible support through the implementation agency SPVLG Artisans Foundation, particularly in areas of market linkage, capacity building, and enterprise sustainability.
Sajad Ahmad from CDI Srinagar spoke in detail about the Geographical Indication (GI) status of the Kashmir cricket bat, underlining its importance in brand protection, value addition, and global market recognition. He stressed that proper awareness and enforcement of GI norms can significantly enhance incomes of local artisans and manufacturers.
The proceedings of the workshop were efficiently facilitated by Shri Ashraf Wani, Chairman SPVLG Foundation, who also presented the vote of thanks, acknowledging the valuable contributions of all dignitaries, stakeholders, and participants. He emphasized the future need for more such stakeholder-driven workshops to address policy gaps, encourage inter-departmental coordination, and ensure the long-term growth of the cricket bat industry in Jammu & Kashmir.
The workshop concluded with a strong consensus on continued dialogue, collaborative action, and periodic engagements to protect and promote one of Kashmir’s most iconic traditional industries. (JKNS)
