Business · Malaysia Bureau
Kashmir's legendary carpet industry unravels as youth seek better prospects
Once a jewel of Kashmir's economy, the region's famed carpet-weaving tradition faces an existential crisis as younger generations abandon the craft for more lucrative opportunities. Master weavers struggling to earn subsistence wages have become unable to pass their skills to the next generation.
LSN Malaysia ·
The centuries-old Kashmir carpet industry, which built an international reputation for intricate designs and superior craftsmanship, is experiencing a sharp decline as economic pressures drive young Kashmiris away from the trade. Master weavers in the region earn approximately US$5 per day, a meagre wage that fails to attract younger workers seeking better financial prospects. The combination of gruelling working hours and minimal compensation has created a generational gap in the industry, with few apprentices willing to undergo the lengthy training required to master the craft. Historically, Kashmir carpets commanded premium prices in global markets and represented a significant export revenue stream for the region. However, the industry's inability to offer competitive wages has triggered a mass exodus of skilled artisans, threatening the survival of production techniques refined over centuries. Without intervention to improve working conditions and remuneration, industry observers warn that the distinctive Kashmir carpet heritage may fade from commercial production within a generation.