Srinagar : Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has taken a significant step to enhance collaboration between industry and academia by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Naqash Royal Arts, a prominent player in the pashmina market.
The agreement, facilitated through the Division of Livestock Products Technology, aims to utilize the university’s scientific expertise to create high-value pashmina products that boast improved quality, durability, and commercial viability. The signing ceremony was attended by key university officials, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who highlighted the importance of pashmina as a valuable heritage product of Kashmir. He underscored the potential for diversification through research-driven innovation, emphasizing the goal of developing premium handmade pashmina knitwear that is both organic and globally competitive. Dr. Asif Sofi, Head of the Division, noted that this partnership reflects a commitment to strengthening industry linkages through knowledge exchange and technology transfer, building on a track record of previous collaborations. The collaboration aims to merge traditional craftsmanship with scientific advancements, ensuring that the handmade pashmina products meet modern market demands while preserving the authenticity of Kashmir’s rich craft heritage. This initiative is expected to enhance the connection between research and industry, ultimately contributing to the sustainable growth and global positioning of Kashmir’s pashmina sector, while also creating new economic opportunities.
