Jammu: In a strong appeal to the Jammu & Kashmir government, Dr. Romesh Khajuria, Chairman of the Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, has emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive policy to ensure genuine pricing for wool growers ahead of the upcoming wool harvest season in April and May 2025.
Reacting to the recent J&K government budget announcements concerning the wool sector, Dr. Khajuriain a statement to Ziraat Times welcomed the Rs 64.20 crore allocation under the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP). He highlighted that Rs 20 crore has been earmarked as a revolving fund aimed at the revival of the Wool Board, as well as the development of wool-based cottage industries and artisan forums. Dr. Khajuria stressed the importance of utilizing these funds effectively, especially for providing marketing support to wool growers, who depend on the upcoming season for their livelihoods.
“The government’s focus on technology upgradation in wool processing and value addition is a welcome move,” Dr. Khajuria stated. He also acknowledged the government’s proposal to involve private and corporate players in J&K’s wool and woollens sector, calling it a game-changer for the rural economy.
Stakeholders Demand Functional Infrastructure and PPP Models
The wool sector’s concerns were also echoed by Bilal Ahmad Kawoosa, Founder Director of the Jammu Kashmir Wool Development and Marketing Association (JKWDMA). Speaking at the pre-budget meeting with the Honorable Chief Minister in Srinagar, Kawoosa strongly advocated for a revamp of existing infrastructure.
He proposed that the wool processing units in Srinagar be made operational under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in collaboration with JKWDMA. He also recommended that a Wool Park/Cluster be established on the land of the former Wool Combers Factory at Bari Brahmana, Jammu, under the MSE-CDP Scheme of the Ministry of MSME, Government of India.
Kawoosa urged the J&K government to leverage schemes from the Central Wool Development Board, Ministry of Textiles, to strengthen the entire value chain of wool, from fiber production to international markets.
A Boost for Wool Growers, Gujjar Community, and Allied Sectors
Welcoming the UT government’s provision of Rs 2221.58 crore for agriculture and allied sectors, Kawoosa expressed optimism about the future. He emphasized that focused attention on the wool sector would empower wool growers, particularly from the Gujjar community and other farming communities, contributing significantly to J&K’s rural economy.
“The government’s initiatives, if implemented with stakeholder consultation and effective planning, can revive the wool sector in J&K and open new opportunities for farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs alike,” he said.
How much wool we produce and how much we import besides quality of wool we produce is wool board of Sheep husbandry still in.place or wound up .
Picture given I feel is not based on facts subject to correction..
Industry here bank.upon Imports from.outside u.t.
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