In a major initiative aimed at reviving and promoting the centuries-old Namdha craft of Kashmir, the government has approved funding for the refurbishment and installation of a high-capacity Carding Machine at the UNDP wing in the Valley.
This development comes under the broader objective of strengthening infrastructure for traditional handicrafts and handloom sectors in Jammu & Kashmir and is part of the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) budgeted interventions for 2025.
Namdha, a traditional craft that involves felting and intricate embroidery on woollen fabric, has been facing a steep decline in recent years due to a lack of wool processing infrastructure, high input costs, and labour-intensive manual techniques.
By installing a modernized carding facility, the government aims to directly address production bottlenecks and make the sector economically viable once again.
In a press statement issued today, Mirza Shahid Ali, Deputy Director, UNDP, said,
“The availability of upgraded carding machinery will significantly reduce manual labour and time-consuming processes, enhancing production capacity while making the craft more lucrative for artisans.”
He added that the initiative would help artisans meet growing domestic and export demand while also encouraging younger generations to take up the craft, thanks to improved working conditions and higher productivity.
Ali emphasized that Namdha is being recognized as a flagship craft in the region and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring timely installation, operationalization, and training for artisans to maximize the utility of the new facility.
The initiative is expected to breathe new life into the Namdha industry, which supports the livelihoods of hundreds of artisans across Kashmir. It will not only help preserve the cultural legacy of this unique art form but also position it more competitively in both local and international markets.
With global interest in sustainable and traditional textiles on the rise, stakeholders hope that the modernized infrastructure will open new opportunities for Namdha artisans and revive a craft deeply embedded in Kashmir’s cultural identity.