Industrial Development & Economic Growth in Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is the northernmost state of India and a global tourist destination. In addition to traditional recreational tourism, a vast scope exists for adventure, pilgrimage, spiritual, and health tourism.

The economy is primarily services based and agri-oriented. The state’s GSDP grew at a CAGR of 10.30 per cent, during 2011-12 to 2018-19. The GSDP is expected to grow at 11.71 per cent (in Rs) by 2018-19 to reach Rs 1.17 trillion (US$ 16.74 billion). The state’s NSDP increased at a CAGR (in Rs) of 10.02 per cent from 2011-12 to 2017-18. The state’s NSDP is expected to reach Rs 1.34 trillion (US$ 20.73 billion) in 2018-19.

A vast natural resource base has enabled J&K to develop land for cultivating major fruits. With varied agro-climatic conditions, the scope for horticulture is significantly high in the state. Food processing and agro-based industries (excluding conventional grinding and extraction units) thrive in the state. J&K has an ideal climate for floriculture and an enormous assortment of flora and fauna. The state has Asia’s largest tulip garden.

J&K’s handicrafts are world famous and the traditional handicraft industry has emerged as a large industry. Due to its large employment base and exports potential, the industry has been receiving priority attention of the government. The state is also famous for its small-scale and cottage industries such as carpet weaving, silks, shawls, basketry, pottery, copper and silverware, papier-mâché and walnut wood. The cottage handicrafts industry provides direct and gainful employment to around 340,000 artisans.

During 2017-18, total merchandise exports from the state stood at US$ 148.31 million. The exports stood at US$ 178.26 million during 2018-19 (up to Feb 19).

The following are some of the major initiatives taken by the government to promote Jammu & Kashmir as an investment destination:

• A project namely Augmentation of Water Supply to Jammu City from River Chenab costing, Rs 886 crore (US$ 126.77 million) stands formulated for providing additional drinking water of 240 MLD to Jammu City which has been submitted to Ministry of Urban Development.
• J&K’s handicrafts are world famous, on the back of which, handicraft industry of the state witnessed huge growth.
• J&K has an industrial policy that offers attractive incentives along with a single-window clearance mechanism. Land is allotted at concessional rates in industrial areas on lease for 90 years.
• National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation (NHIDCL) is developing five tunnels in the state at a cost of US$ 3.42 million. The tunnels will have all weather access, and will be completed by 2024.
• According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), cumulative FDI inflows, during April 2000 to March 2018, were valued at US$ 6 million.
• The Kashmir region is known for its horticulture industry. The industry plays a vital role in the state’s economic development. In 2018-19**, total production of fruits in the state stood at around 3.61 million metric tonnes.
• The state is a leading producer of apples and walnuts; the total apple production, in 2017-18P, stood at around 1.74 million metric tonnes.
• About 150,000 metres of silk cloth is produced per annum in J&K. During 2017-18(P), 132 MT of raw silk was produced in the state and had a production target of 190 MT for 2018-19(T).
• Tourist arrival in the state stood at 14.32 million in 2017(P) out of which 14.24 million were domestic tourists and 79.77 thousand were foreign tourists.

Note:  P – Provisional, T - Target, MT – Million Tonnes, ** - 2018-19 (1^st advanced estimate)

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