Srinagar, Nov 13: Jammu and Kashmir government is exploring e-commerce to boost handicraft exports and empower artisans and small-scale businesses.
As per the Draft Jammu & Kashmir Export Policy 2024, the government is planning to provide dedicated spaces for e-commerce companies “to directly assist artisans, enabling smoother access to digital platforms for marketing and exporting their products.”
To realize the e-commerce dream, the J&K government will impart training to the artisans to fully utilize the medium to boost their sales and promotion.
“Artisans will receive training in modern skills like e-marketing and information and communication technology (ICT), equipping them to manage online sales and promote their work to a global audience,” it said.
“The government is exploring the creation of a specialized e-commerce platform to connect artisans and weavers from the region, offering an online repository to showcase individual products and facilitate their onboarding with major e-commerce platforms,” the export policy added.
The government is also planning to establish an Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), which will act as a neutral network between buyers and sellers.
“Through ONDC, artisans and other local businesses can offer their goods and services across multiple platforms, with delivery and payment services handled by partner companies, broadening their market reach without geographical limitations,” it said.
The government under this policy will also establish designated areas as e-commerce export hubs. “These e-commerce export hubs would act as a center for favorable business infrastructure for e-commerce activities.”
An official said the government aims to eliminate intermediaries, directly connecting small-scale farmers, food processors, artisans, and manufacturers with retailers by promoting e-marketing.
“This approach will help improve profit margins for local producers while making their products more accessible to potential global partners. This initiative marks a significant shift in J&K’s economic landscape, opening new avenues for artisans, farmers, and small businesses to showcase their unique products worldwide. With low-cost digital convenience and no geographical restrictions, the region’s businesses can now aspire to reach international markets and establish a stronger foothold in the global economy,” he said.
Pertinently, the Handicrafts and Handloom department earlier launched an e-commerce platform to connect the buyers directly with the local artisans.