J&K textile growth has yet to lift handloom weavers’ incomes

J&K textile employment rose to 2.31 lakh in 2023-24 and exports crossed ₹850 crore in 2025-26, but Kani weavers report earning roughly ₹6,000-₹7,000 a month. Artisan groups are seeking a separate handloom department to improve scheme delivery and livelihoods.

— Filed Tue, 4 Aug, 2026, 19:01 IST · Source The Hindu BusinessLine · Updated

J&K textile employment and exports have risen, but handloom weavers report low earnings, youth disengagement and weaker policy focus after departmental restructuring. Artisans seek restoration of a separate handloom department to improve scheme delivery and livelihoods.

Why this matters

No related recent signals are available; the signal contrasts Jammu and Kashmir’s textile job and export growth with low reported Kani weaver incomes.

Retail-company signals are accelerating, up 203571% QoQ.