The product development process for Jibran Handicrafts Producer Company Limited, based in SK Colony, Anantnag, focuses on creating sustainable, high-quality Kashmiri textiles (chain stitch embroidery, crewel embroidery, and gabba crafts) while empowering 500 women artisans. The process integrates traditional techniques with modern market needs and eco-conscious practices.
Objective: Develop innovative designs for shawls, stoles, cushion covers, curtains, bedspreads, apparel, rugs, and mats.
Process:
Market Research: Analyze trends in global and local markets (e.g., demand for sustainable textiles) via craft fairs, e-commerce insights, and customer feedback.
Artisan Input: Master artisans (100 experts) propose traditional motifs (paisleys, florals, chinar leaves) and gabba upcycling ideas.
Sustainability Focus: Prioritize eco-friendly designs, such as gabba rugs made from recycled woolen textiles.
Outcome: A portfolio of design sketches blending Kashmiri heritage with contemporary aesthetics.
Objective: Ensure high-quality, sustainable materials.
Process:
Source organic cotton, wool, and silk from local cooperatives, reducing costs by ~15%.
Use natural-dyed threads to maintain eco-conscious standards.
Collect discarded woolen textiles (e.g., blankets, shawls) for gabba craft upcycling.
Outcome: Sustainable, locally sourced materials ready for production.
Objective: Create samples to test design feasibility.
Process:
Assignment: Skilled artisans and master artisans collaborate in workshops to produce prototypes.
Techniques: Apply chain stitch (ari needle for looped patterns), crewel embroidery (wool on cotton/linen), or gabba layering (embellishing recycled textiles).
Quality Check: Evaluate prototypes for durability, aesthetic appeal, and adherence to traditional standards.
Outcome: Refined prototypes for shawls, curtains, rugs, etc., ready for feedback.
Objective: Equip artisans for consistent production quality.
Process:
Conduct workshops for trainees and skilled artisans, led by master artisans, focusing on advanced chain stitch, crewel, and gabba techniques.
Train on market-driven designs and sustainability practices (e.g., natural dyeing, upcycling).
Empower women artisans through skill-building for financial independence.
Outcome: A skilled workforce capable of producing complex, market-ready textiles.
Objective: Scale production while maintaining quality and sustainability.
Process:
Assign tasks based on skill levels: master artisans handle intricate designs, skilled artisans produce standard items, and trainees assist with simpler tasks.
Use dedicated workshops in SK Colony with looms and embroidery tools.
Implement quality control at each stage to ensure consistency.
Outcome: High-quality chain stitch, crewel, and gabba products ready for market.
Objective: Validate products with target audiences.
Process:
Showcase products at regional and national craft fairs.
Test initial batches through local cooperatives and upcoming e-commerce platform (planned for mid-2025).
Collect feedback on design, pricing, and functionality from customers and partners.
Outcome: Refined products based on market preferences.
Objective: Prepare products for commercial sale.
Process:
Finalize designs and production processes based on feedback.
Package products with branding emphasizing Kashmiri heritage, women’s empowerment, and sustainability.
Pursue Geographical Indication (GI) tags for chain stitch and crewel products to enhance authenticity.
Outcome: Market-ready textiles for craft fairs, e-commerce, and bulk orders.
Objective: Innovate and adapt to market trends.
Process:
Monitor sales and customer feedback via e-commerce platform and fairs.
Develop new gabba designs using recycled textiles for global sustainable fashion markets.
Outcome: A dynamic product line that evolves with market demands.
Women’s Empowerment: 100% women artisans (500), with training and fair wages (20–30% above local averages).
Sustainability: Use of organic materials, natural dyes, and gabba upcycling to reduce waste.
Cultural Preservation: Maintains Kashmiri textile heritage through traditional motifs and techniques.
Scalability: Infrastructure and processes designed to support growth to 750 artisans by 2027.
Address: Jibran Handicrafts Producer Company Limited, C/O Bashir Ahmad Rangraiz, SK Colony, Anantnag, JK, India – 192101