by Ghulam Quadir Jeelani
Promoting local horticulture and handicrafts through government initiatives, infrastructure, and high-quality production can boost Kashmir’s economy, create jobs, and ensure self-reliance.
To strengthen the livelihoods of local families and youth in Jammu & Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, made a strong appeal to the Amarnath Yatris to allocate at least 10% of their travel expenses towards purchasing Kashmiri products. A key pillar of the special 5-point pledge distributed among the pilgrims at the Nunwan and Baltal base camps is to secure and strengthen the economic future of the hardworking local families by promoting indigenous skills and produce.
Economic Challenges
The current challenges of economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and unemployment demand that we vigorously promote our local produce and products. This approach will not only stabilise our local economy but also help eradicate the unemployment crisis by creating new job opportunities. Furthermore, the revival of local industries will safeguard our magnificent traditional and cultural values, which are our true identity.
To make India self-reliant, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the public to prioritise domestically manufactured goods over foreign products. While this message serves the broader interests of the entire nation, it can be utilised as an excellent roadmap to revitalise Kashmir’s economy and eliminate unemployment. Kashmir possesses numerous sectors that, if developed under the spirit of ‘Vocal for Local’, can not only achieve economic stability but also ensure the eternal preservation of the region’s culture and civilisation. This approach can open new doors for sustainable development and employment in Kashmir.
Apple Sector
India ranks fifth globally in apple production, with 75% of the country’s total apple output coming exclusively from Kashmir. Viewed as an individual entity, Kashmir stands as the sixth largest apple producing region in the world. Since the livelihoods of approximately 3.5 million people in Kashmir are directly tied to the apple industry, empowering this sector on solid foundations must be the government’s top priority.
Fostering constant innovations within this industry is the need of the hour to generate vast employment opportunities. In this context, while increasing the number of cold storages is indispensable, establishing fruit processing units (juice and jam factories) is equally crucial. This will enable the local processing of apples and other fruits into high-quality juices, jams, and chips. The recent initiatives by NITI Aayog in this regard are a welcome step. The workshops organised by them featured comprehensive discussions on vital topics such as improving the production system, strengthening infrastructure, value addition, and ensuring the delivery of quality goods to markets.
Practical Action
Although these measures are highly effective in boosting buyer interest, it is now time for the government to move beyond mere assurances and implement them effectively. ‘Operation Golden Greens’ is undoubtedly a promising roadmap aimed at the integrated development of all key horticultural segments, including fresh fruits, dry fruits, and vegetable cultivation. Unfortunately, while short to long term policies have been announced, practical progress remains lacking. To support our local industry, it has become imperative to immediately raise import duties on imported apples, establish dry ports to resolve logistics issues, and introduce Market Intervention and Crop Insurance Schemes for the financial security of farmers.
Alongside horticulture, the handicrafts sector is another vital source of livelihood for the people of Kashmir. If this sector is fully patronised under the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, the day is not far when Kashmir will once again stand at the forefront of economic prosperity and job creation.
Traditional Craftsmanship
Kashmir’s traditional handicrafts including exquisite arts like carpet weaving, shawl weaving, and papier-mâché hold a distinct identity worldwide. Furthermore, fine walnut wood carving, Namda and Gabba making, Crewel embroidery, traditional pottery, willow wicker work, and copperware engraving are supreme masterpieces of the region’s skill, culture, and civilisation.
To promote these local crafts and products globally, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir has taken a historic step by approving the construction of two ‘Unity Malls’ in Jammu and Srinagar at a cumulative cost of Rs 255 crore. A statement issued on the social media platform ‘X’ by the Office of the Chief Minister, J&K, noted that these projects will provide a dedicated platform for local artisans, handloom and handicraft products, GI-tagged goods, and other regional specialties. The primary objective is to enhance their visibility and strengthen their access to domestic and international markets.
Srinagar Infrastructure
In Srinagar, the Unity Mall will be constructed as a state-of-the-art facility at Kashmir Haat at an estimated cost of Rs 130 crore, with a target completion period of 18 months. This modern structure will feature dedicated showrooms representing all states, Union Territories, and all 20 districts of Jammu & Kashmir. It will showcase the unique products of the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) and ‘District Export Hub’ (DEH) initiatives. A major portion of the mall will comprise a Trade Facilitation Centre, providing local artisans and entrepreneurs with direct access to international markets.
The project will also include modern facilities such as an auditorium-cum-convention centre, an amphitheatre, retail commercial marts, food courts, a cultural centre featuring an art gallery, and dormitory accommodations. This mall will be more than just a conventional shopping centre; it will serve as a beautiful blend of commercial, cultural, and tourism activities. With this initiative, not only will Kashmir’s unique handicrafts gain broader global recognition, but it will also become an excellent and sustainable medium for local traders and artisans to showcase their products to the world.
Welfare Schemes
To promote local produce and provide employment to the youth in Kashmir, the Central and UT governments are successfully running various welfare schemes. Prominent among these are Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), and Karkhanadar Scheme. Benefiting from these schemes, countless youth have established their own business units in key sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and handicrafts.
Today, a large number of Kashmiri youth, including women, are no longer mere job seekers. By engaging in honey and mushroom production, floriculture, and creating rare handicraft masterpieces, they are opening doors of employment for others as well. Through these efforts, Kashmir is rapidly marching towards self-reliance and economic stability. However, to make this economic journey sustainable, while government support is indispensable, the honesty and integrity of farmers, artisans, and traders are equally of key importance.
It should be our individual and collective effort to prioritise ‘organic’ products and completely avoid adulteration, so that the magnificent and unique status of Kashmir’s local produce, which is its identity across the globe, remains intact.
(The author teaches at Govt Model Hr Sec School Zoohama. Ideas are personal.)
