Over 100 women artisans completed a NIFT- RAMP workshop on branding and aesthetic packaging to boost GI and ODOP handmade products from Kashmir.
Women Artisans in Kashmir Master Branding and Aesthetic Packaging at NIFT-RAMP Workshop
The Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, concluded a one-day capacity-building programme with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Srinagar, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) initiative. Around 100 artisans and weavers attended the session, which trained participants in branding strategies and aesthetic packaging for Geographical Indication (GI) and One District One Product (ODOP) handcrafted goods.
Main Highlights of the Event
The department designed the workshop to strengthen the craft ecosystem and improve market readiness for Kashmir’s handmade products. Deputy Director (Trainings) Tahira Tabassum stated that the programme forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to upgrade skills across the sector.
NIFT faculty led the session and explained how creative packaging influences buyer perception, shelf appeal, and price realization. The trainers demonstrated practical ways to align packaging design with brand identity, target audience, and sales channel-whether e-commerce, boutique retail, or export.
The majority of participants came from Noor Ari Producer Company, a women-led collective of nearly 600 members committed to women’s empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. Organizers prioritized this group to ensure that women artisans directly benefit from branding and packaging interventions that raise product value.
Officials confirmed that this workshop marks the first in a series of ten programmes with NIFT under RAMP. The series will equip artisans with repeatable skills in visual identity, storytelling, label design, and packaging materials so they can compete more effectively in domestic and international markets.
Why Branding and Packaging Matter for GI and ODOP Crafts
Kashmir’s GI and ODOP products carry strong heritage value, yet many artisans still sell in generic packaging that hides their craft story. The workshop addressed this gap by showing how consistent branding-logo, colour palette, typography, and taglines-builds recognition and trust over time.
Aesthetic packaging also protects delicate items during transit and creates a premium unboxing experience that justifies higher price points. Trainers emphasized that packaging must reflect the craft’s origin, technique, and authenticity while meeting the practical needs of logistics and retail display.
The session aligned with broader government moves to professionalize the sector. In recent weeks, the Handicrafts Department launched a GI QR Code Management System at its Quality Control Division to authenticate non-textile and languishing crafts such as Wagguv, Gabba, Namdah, walnut wood carving, chain stitch, Khatamband, and Crewel.
Artisans who adopt GI labels and QR traceability can now pair authentication with stronger branding and packaging to capture the affordable yet quality-conscious market segment. The department has encouraged stakeholders to approach the QCD laboratory for GI labelling at nominal user charges to add brand value to middle-segment handmade crafts.
Outcomes and Next Steps
Participants left the workshop with actionable checklists for brand naming, visual identity, label copy, and packaging materials suited to different product categories. Many women artisans reported that they now understand how to position their products for online marketplaces, gift stores, and export buyers.
The department plans to scale these learnings through the remaining nine NIFT-RAMP programmes, with a focus on hands-on design sprints, prototyping, and feedback loops. This approach aims to convert training into tangible packaging upgrades and new brand assets for participating collectives.
As the craft ecosystem expands-with nearly five lakh registered artisans and growing GI label issuance-such capacity-building interventions will help Kashmir’s handmade products stand out in crowded markets and command fairer returns for makers.
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