Oldest silk factory in Kashmir reopens after 3 decades

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Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 25 : In an attempt to revive silk industry and generate employment in the region, the government on Tuesday reopened decades old silk factory, installed by Sir Thomas Wardle, president of the Silk Association of Great Britain in 1897.
This archaic Silk factory is situated at Solina Rambagh area of Srinagar city.
Speaking to ANI, Dr Kavita Gupta, Textile Commissioner, Government of India, said, it is a commendable step taken by the ruling government at the Centre, in order to revive the art and culture of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I congratulate the government, for making efforts to create employment in the region and also to revive the culture in the region. Kashmiris can again feel proud of their silk and we should come together to celebrate this step taken by the government,” she said.
Dr Gupta further said that the government has also made efforts to revive the machines used for making silk, besides providing space for storing Cocoons and Lakkar.
When asked about the challenges, Dr Gupta said that the all silk-based products, manufactured by the Kashmiris, will now have to competative in terms of price, quality and logistics.
Bashir Ahmad , an employee at the silk factory asserted that after the factory starts functioning, import of silk products from China will be reduced rapidly.
“In terms of quality also, the silk product manufactured in Kashmir is way far better than China,” he said.
Another employee, Abdul Rashid, also lauded the government for taking steps to eradicate the unemployment in the region.
“It is a known fact that more than 70 per cent of the youth residing in the valley are unemployed. But now that this factory has opened, many will be skilled and will able to meet their ends, ” said Rashid.