Tasaduq Hussain
Kupwara, May 11: With an aim to work independently and score big, two youth have have set up a footwear manufacturing unit at Mughalpora village in Kupwara district evoking immense demand from retailers.
Two youth Showkat Ahamd Lone and Tahir Ahmad Dar together have set up the footwear manufacturing unit at Lone Mohallah in Mughalpora in Kupwara district.
The unit was set up over a month ago.
Showkat said that they prepare about five designs of footwear (Chappals).
“In first month more than 2400 pieces have been sold to retailers, which is good soon. The demand is increasing. We are happy as of now with the process. So far we have managed to attract the local market across Kupwara district only,” he said.
About the orders from the rest of the districts, he said that there is very little information about their unit among people. “We hope to receive more consignment orders from the rest of the districts very soon,” he added.
Showkat said that he left a job as chef in Srinagar to live his dream in home district.
Their prices, Showkat said, are considerably low compared to prices available in the market. “We provide stock to retailers directly at a very meagre amount.”
“As of now, he said they have a team of three individuals only working at the unit. ‘With time as the demand increases we will have to employ more people. even this manufacturing unit will generate employment opportunities,” he said.
About the product quality, Showkat said that over 2400 pieces in a month have gone to market places and not even a single negative feedback has come to us. “It is a quality product, we ensure to maintain quality of the product.’’
“We get all the raw stock from marketplaces like in Delhi. We aim to deliver stock to any volume whenever order is placed. We are working to target the market places from other districts of Kashmir valley as well,” he said while talking about their future plans.
“We don’t know the market strategy exactly about how to go with certain things. We are adapting to the things and working hard accordingly. We hope to touch new heights and achieve our goals in the next two to three years,” Tahir, his business partner, said.
A local, Muzamil said that there are lesser opportunities available here in Kashmir.
“We need to be honest to ourselves and accept that there are very few opportunities even in the private sector. Setting up a manufacturing unit here is no less than a challenge. This is a remote district and people need to be supportive and encouraging towards such initiatives.”
