Pashmina Lab receives major boost for testing of GI products

Srinagar: Brand promotion of genuine hand-made products from Kashmir on Wednesday received a significant boost with addition of the state-of-the-art testing equipment in Handicrafts and Handloom Department’s Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC), at Craft Development Institute, here.
This upgraded HR Digital Microscope System will greatly enhance PTQCC’s ability to test and certify Pashmina fibres for the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Label, which certifies Pashmina fibre as a mark of distinction in the global niche markets.
In a press statement issued here on Wednesday, a spokesperson from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, stated that the new equipment shall facilitate precise and efficient testing, thereby guaranteeing that only authentic Pashmina products are certified. “This will not only bolster the Pashmina industry but also provide a major fillip to the entire handicraft and handloom sector in J&K, helping artisans and craft businesses access new markets and better opportunities,” he added.
The spokesman further added that training was provided to the staff of PTQCC by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for efficient handling of the equipment. “As local artisans gain more recognition for their high-quality products, the entire handicraft industry stands to benefit, fostering long-term growth, innovation and cultural preservation,” he stated.
In order to cater to the anticipated rush of products at PTQCC for testing and QR labelling, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, has also submitted a proposal worth ?1.35 Cr for procurement of SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) under the Upgradation and Technology Support component of the National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP), of the Union Ministry of Commerce, for the FY 2025-26.