KCCI welcomes commissioning of HR Digital Microscope at Pashmina Testing Centre

Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) has welcomed the commissioning of the HR Digital Microscope System at the Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC), housed within the Craft Development Institute.

The chamber believes this technological investment will play a crucial role in facilitating access to the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Label, a key marker of authenticity and quality for Pashmina products.

With this upgrade, artisans and exporters will experience a reduced waiting period for GI certification, streamlining the process of testing and certifying Pashmina fibres. The new HR Digital Microscope System is expected to strengthen PTQCC’s ability to verify Pashmina fibre authenticity, reinforcing its status in global niche markets.

KCC&I also commended the Handicrafts and Handloom Department for its proactive approach in submitting a proposal for additional Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) under the National Handicrafts Development Programme. This step is expected to further improve the quality control infrastructure for Kashmir’s famed handicrafts sector.

In addition, KCC&I praised the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) for fulfilling a long-standing demand by providing modern steel carpet looms to artisans. The chamber highlighted that this initiative will enhance production efficiency and improve the quality of craftsmanship, directly benefiting local weavers.

KCC&I emphasized that such technological advancements are not just equipment upgrades but transformative steps that will have a direct impact on artisans’ livelihoods and strengthen the economic and cultural significance of the Pashmina and carpet industries in Kashmir.

“KCC&I remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote technological advancement, quality assurance, and economic development in the handicrafts sector,” said Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary General of KCC&I.