The Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (FVSC & AH), SKUAST Jammu, under able guidance of Honourable Vice Chancellor, Dr B. N. Tripathi and Dean, F.V.Sc and A.H,, Dr Rajesh Katoch organized a comprehensive training on “Enhancing Entrepreneurship Avenues for Artisans/Weavers” aimed at revitalizing the wool and cottage-based industry in Jallapur Samba. The event held under the auspices of the HADP project on wool and pelt, brought together artisans, experts, stakeholders, and enthusiasts for Revival of Cottage-Based Industry of Wool and Pelt.
Jallapur Wollen muffler cooperative society was inaugurated and the society was provided with all tools for smooth working of the society. Training programme encompassing various facets of wool processing and value addition, shedding light on modern methodologies and traditional practices that can enhance the productivity and quality of wool and pelt products of Samba area. In this project two wool based ITKs products have been identified this year for revival and promotion among artisans namely woolen muffler and Tweet Coat.
Chief guest of the event Sh. Kulraj Singh, Joint Director, Directorate of Handicraft and Handlooms, Jammu (DHHJ) appreciated the efforts of artisans/weavers for conserving our local heritage which now a days is lost in the fast-moving society. He gave detail about various government schemes of DHHJ for benefit of artisan/weavers.
Dr. Surinder Gupta, Deputy Director Central, Sheep Husbandry, Jammu apprised the weavers and motivate to fetch the benefits from the schemes being run by the Sheep Husbandry Department and assured them all kind of help to sustaining enterprises.
Mr. Vinod Koul, Ex-General Manager JK Handloom Development Cooperation guest speaker of the event gave a detail lecture on improving the quality of products. He emphasized and motivated the young weavers for developing products as per trending consumer demand. He also suggested few modifications and changes for improving cost benefit ratio by decreasing the cost of production through modern equipment’s/technologies.
Dr Rajinder Bhardwaj, Principal Investigator of the project expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, The revival of the wool and cottage industry holds immense potential for socio-economic development in the region. This collaborative effort aims to empower local communities, preserve traditional crafts, and foster sustainable livelihoods. The program also served as a platform for networking and fostering partnerships among stakeholders, including artisans, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and research institutions, to collectively drive the growth of the wool processing industry in Samba.
Dr. Aditi Lal Koul, Dr. Kawardeep Kour, Dr. Mandeep Singh Azad and Dr. Vikas Mahajan CO-PI of the project interacted with the artisans.
A total 60 artisans, youth and women participated this training programme and further hand on training was demonstrated by master trainer Mr Rajinder with respect to weaving and dying of wool.
