Handicraft Department Kargil in collaboration with National Jute Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and M/S IRM Handicraft and handloom Kargil started a 10-day trial project focused on woolenization of jute.

The initiative seeks to soften jute to a wool-like texture while also exploring the blending of jute with wool to create innovative, sustainable craft products.

At the program’s inauguration, Assistant Director, Handicrafts Kargil, Raziya Khatoon (JKAS) welcomed the distinguished guests, including the trainer from the National Jute Board, Swapan Dutta; Nahida Shah CEO M/S IRM Handloom and Handicraft Kargil; participating artisans, officers and officials of Handicraft Department Kargil.

She expressed gratitude to the National Jute Board for accepting their proposal to conduct this unique trial project in Kargil. Raziya Khatoon also appreciated the dedication of Nahida Shah in facilitating and making this project possible in the region.

In her remarks, the AD, Handicrafts underscored the significance of the project, noting that woolenization of jute presents new opportunities for the local handicraft sector by making jute softer and more versatile.

Additionally, she emphasized that blending jute with wool could lead to creation of unique, high-quality products. She praised the enthusiasm shown by artisans and hoped that this experience would pave way for new possibilities in their craft.

The 10-day training program will now continue, offering hands-on learning and skill development sessions for the participating artisans. As the project progresses, it is expected that these techniques will be refined, setting the stage for broader adoption in the future.

In conclusion, Raziya Khatoon requested that the National Jute Board consider organizing further specialized training sessions to deepen the artisans’ expertise and expand the scope of their skills.

The event marked the beginning of an exciting journey for the artisans, with more in-depth training sessions scheduled over the next several days, promising to open up new creative possibilities for local crafts.