Kashmir’s famous willow bats are in the process of getting GI (Geographical Indication) tags, a news channel has reported.
A recent study showed that it will serve as a great marketing strategy for selling these bats in international markets.
The GI tagging will help in raising the prices of the Kashmir willow bats.
A study titled “Indian Sports Goods Industry: Strategies for Tapping the Export Potential” released recently by the Finance Minister of India Nirmala Sitharaman revealed that “Kashmir willow bat is one such product which holds significance as it is made from some of the best quality wood in the world”.
There are more than 200 bat-making factories in Kashmir and hundreds of people earn their livelihoods through them. COVID-19 pandemic had hit the industry badly as they hardly had any new orders but now the makers are hoping that things will change.
The Kashmir willow bats are priced up to Rs 3500 rupees per bat, as against the English willow bats whose retail prices range between $220 (Rs 16,000 approx.) and $450 (Rs 33,000 approx.) per bat in international markets.
