Awantipora, Feb 28: A one-day Stakeholder Workshop on Development and Promotion of Micro Enterprises in the Cricket Bat Industry of Jammu & Kashmir was successfully organized by SPVLG Artisans Foundation with support from Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) at CIED IUST Foundation, Awantipora.
The workshop was chaired by Prof. Pervaiz Ahmad, Director of CIED-IUST, who also served as Chief Guest. In his keynote, he stressed the urgent need for clear government policies for effective raw material management, especially willow wood, the backbone of the cricket bat industry. He highlighted that the industry’s sustainability depends on coordinated efforts among government, financial institutions, research bodies, and stakeholders.
The event brought together Shri Dheeraj Verma, AGM SIDBI; Riyaz Ahmad Wani, Forest Department; Sajad Ahmad, Craft Development Institute Srinagar; representatives from Handloom & Handicrafts Department, banking institutions, and numerous cricket bat manufacturers and association heads.
During discussions, manufacturers voiced concerns over willow plantation availability and land access, critical for securing raw materials and livelihoods.
Shri Dheeraj Verma outlined SIDBI’s support for market access, enterprise strengthening, and financial aid to micro and small enterprises, reaffirming SIDBI’s commitment through SPVLG Artisans Foundation.
Sajad Ahmad highlighted the Geographical Indication (GI) status of the Kashmir cricket bat, emphasizing its role in brand protection, value addition, and global market recognition. Awareness and enforcement of GI norms, he noted, can boost local artisans’ incomes.
Shri Ashraf Wani, Chairman of SPVLG Foundation, facilitated the proceedings and presented the vote of thanks, urging more stakeholder-driven workshops to fill policy gaps, encourage inter-departmental coordination, and support the long-term growth of the cricket bat industry.
The workshop concluded with a consensus on continued dialogue, collaborative action, and periodic engagement to safeguard and promote one of Kashmir’s most iconic traditional industries.
