Srinagar, June 26 -- The national award for Kashmir's handicrafts sector and its QR code certification system is a landmark in the effort to protect traditional crafts from imitation and market erosion. For decades, artisans have struggled against counterfeit products that weakened both their livelihoods and the reputation of Kashmiri crafts. The introduction of a digital mechanism that allows buyers to verify authenticity and trace a product back to its maker is a practical step toward restoring trust and strengthening the sector.

This initiative directly addresses the need for credibility. Pashmina, Kani shawls, Sozni embroidery, and hand-knotted carpets are not simply items of trade; they embody cultural heritage and collective identi...