Automatic power looms set to boost famed Kashmiri silk production

The installation of automatic power looms in Kashmir's famed silk factory is all set to boost business.

The newly installed modern looms have helped to increase silk production and revive trade in Srinagar's Rajbagh silk factory that was established in the year 1939.

The government is drawing up a blueprint to equip the sericulture department with state-of-the-art latest technology.

Kashmiri silk has a great demand all over the world, but the industry suffered due to the continued use of centuries-old looms that only produced four to five metres of silk per shift.

The automatic power looms produce 15 metres of silk per shift, increasing the production three-fold.

"Recently, we have installed six modern looms here in the unit which have helped us a lot. We are going to install more foot looms to produce more quantity because demand is not a problem when it comes to silk products," said Deputy General Manager, Rajbagh Silk Factory, G.Q.Wani.

Handloom operators at the factory also rejoiced with the inclusion of the machines because it would spell increased employment and better benefits for the workers.

The factory plans to include 34 more looms in the near future to further increase production.

In its hay days, the factory employed thousands of skilled workers who produced intricately designed silk products in vast quantities and was a tourist spot where people came from all over the world to watch this fascinating Kashmiri art.