Status and Performance of Handicraft Sector in J and K Economy:A Case Study of Kashmir Valley

Owing to a rich craft tradition, the Handicrafts sector continues to occupy a distinct and unique place in the economy of Jammu and Kashmir State. The handicrafts made by artisans of J&K state are acclaimed globally irrespective of the growing competition. In the absence of large scale industries in the state, handicraft sector has remained a key economic activity in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Handicraft sector is one of the main revenue earning sectors of the State in terms of people employed, production and export earnings, etc., and thus plays a vital role in overall economic development of the state. In this context the government of the State stresses the role of cottage and Small-scale industries in the development of the State economy. Also, this sector has been successful in creating direct and indirect employment to a large number of people across the state. Through the present study an attempt has been made to analyze the performance and importance of Handicraft sector in the State economy by examining the changes in various variables like production, employment and exports.