Jammu&Kashmir/IBNS: The Handicrafts & Handloom Department in Kashmir has acquired cutting-edge equipment, OFDA 4000, for the testing and certification of Pashmina, marking a major development in the industry.

The equipment was inaugurated at the Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Centre in Srinagar by Director Handicrafts and Handlooms Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmad Shah.

The testing results of the equipment are expected to be more accurate and decrease the time required for testing and certification of Pashmina significantly.

The OFDA 4000 is the first equipment of its kind to be commissioned in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and such testing facilities are available at only a few places across the country. 

It is capable of testing more than 40,000 fibers in less than a minute and can determine characteristics such as micron, length, and crimp of the fiber. It can test Pashmina fiber, yarn, and fabric, making testing easy and hassle-free.

With the availability of the OFDA 4000, the process of labeling Pashmina-based Geographical Indication crafts, particularly Pashmina, Kani, and Sozni, is expected to receive a significant boost. It will result in widespread use of GI-certified products and help in checking counterfeit Pashmina.

Moreover, the availability of the equipment is expected to secure the future of the handmade Pashmina sector in the UT of J&K and significantly increase the earnings of the artisans associated with Pashmina craft.

On this occasion, the staff of Handicrafts and Handloom Department and Pashmina Testing Centre were provided training by Herbert Hornik from Hornik Fibretech in the operation and maintenance of the equipment.

The Department intends to conduct awareness camps about GI testing and labeling to help stakeholders in the Pashmina sector take advantage of the facility.