Srinagar, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Jammu and Kashmir Pavilion, featuring an impressive exhibition of regional craftsmanship, authentic products, and budding entrepreneurial talent, has emerged as one of the most sought-after attractions during the 23rd India International Mega Trade Fair (IIMTF). This event was held at the Science City Grounds in Kolkata from December 20, 2024, to January 6, 2025, according to an official announcement made on Tuesday.

Sponsored by the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO), the pavilion showcased 21 dedicated stalls that included contributions from women entrepreneurs, one of whom, a recipient of an award, demonstrated live Pashmina weaving at her stall.

“This lively platform enabled artisans and businesses from Jammu and Kashmir to highlight their unique offerings. The exhibition presented a diverse array of top-notch items, such as Pashmina Shawls, Sozni embroidered textiles, GI-tagged Kashmiri saffron, dry fruits, hand-embroidered Phiran, and organic food products like honey, Anardana, and Rajmash from Jammu. These traditional, skillfully crafted products garnered considerable interest from the attendees,” the statement detailed.

“The pavilion provided visitors with an opportunity to acquire unique products while encouraging direct interactions between artisans and guests. This engagement allowed them to learn about the intricate techniques and narratives behind each creation, ultimately helping many artisans secure valuable business leads. The immersive experience not only enhanced the products’ value but also deepened appreciation for Jammu and Kashmir's rich artistic heritage.”

The report further indicated that the event was a resounding success, achieving sales of approximately Rs 1.3 crore and generating over 1,900 business leads for future orders.

“This remarkable response underscores the increasing demand for Kashmiri products and highlights the growing acknowledgment of the region's craftsmanship in both national and international markets,” the statement noted.

IIMTF 2024 hosted more than 1,000 stalls featuring exhibitors from 20 Indian states and 15 countries globally, with the Jammu and Kashmir Pavilion being a major draw for visitors.

JKTPO has successfully participated in notable events such as the IITF 2024 in Delhi, PITEX in Amritsar, CII Fair in Chandigarh, MSME Expo in New Delhi, and more.

Additionally, JKTPO organized the J&K Textile Sourcing Fair 2024, J&K Trade Show 2024 (Summer Edition), and Basmati Fest 2024 to effectively highlight Jammu and Kashmir's economic potential.

“In the upcoming months, the JKTPO plans to broaden its outreach by participating in major events like MiTEX Mumbai, Surajkund Mela, and Bharat Tex 2025. Furthermore, it will host the second Agro and Food Fest on January 22, 2025, and the JK Trade Show 2025 (Winter Edition) on January 31, 2025,” the report revealed.