Recent Developments in Key Sectors

• Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari allocated of Rs. 1404.94 crore (US$ 169 million) for the Widening and Strengthening project of the Rafiabad – Kupwara – Chowkibal – Tangdhar – Chamkot section of National Highway-701.
• Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Mr. Jitendra Singh highlighted Jammu and Kashmir's emergence as an agricultural start-up hub, particularly in Bhaderwah, where lavender cultivation has flourished.
• As of September 30, 2023, J&K had a total installed power-generation capacity of 3,536.05 MW, comprising 1,866.08 MW under central utilities, 1,543.17 MW (state utilities) and 126.80 MW (private utilities).
• According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, J&K had 12.33 million wireless and 9.29 million internet subscribers with a tele-density of 87.30%, as of the year 2023.
• Under the State Budget 2023-24, Rs. 2,928.04 crore (US$ 357.4 million) has been allocated for housing and urban development.
• Raw silk production stood at 98 MT in 2021-22 in Jammu & Kashmir
• Total tourist arrivals to the UT reached 113.16 million in 2021
• In 2021-22, total production of horticulture crops in the UT is expected to be 3,580.82 thousand metric tonnes. In 2021-22, the total production of vegetables and fruits in the state was estimated at 1,338.27 thousand metric tonnes and 2,237.87 thousand metric tonnes, respectively.
• The Handicrafts industry has been receiving priority attention from the Government in view of its large employment base and exports potential.
  • In October 2020, the J&K government signed an MoU with Flipkart to provide an online platform to showcase and encourage local artisans/craftsmen/weavers to meet clients worldwide.
  • This is a significant step towards fostering the rural economy and boosting sale of authentic exotic handicraft and handloom products and seeking new destinations for niche handmade Jammu and Kashmir products.
  • The Government of India's newly constituted Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has announced a fresh plan to revitalise the region's crafts sector in August 2021. The project, known as Karkhandar, aims to improve trainee learning techniques and help artisans better their living standards.
• J&K is famous for its small-scale and cottage industries such as carp
• et weaving, silks, shawls, basketry, pottery, copper and silverware, papier-mâché and walnut wood.
• J&K SIDCO is the nodal agency for promotion and development of medium- and large-scale industries in the UT.
• In July 2021, the Jammu and Kashmir administration planned to launch helicopter services to numerous tourist locations in an effort to enhance tourism.
• On October 27, 2020, the Indian government approved Jammu and Kashmir of new land laws to allow land to be transferred for the benefit of an individual or institution for promotion of healthcare or senior secondary or higher or specialised education. In January 2021, the Cabinet Committee of Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a new scheme for the industrial development for the UT of Jammu and Kashmir with a total outlay of Rs. 28,400 crore (US$ 3,918 million) up to 2037.

Note: P - Provisional, ** - As per 3^rd Advance Estimates, * - Includes Fruits, Vegetables, Spices, Honey, Plantation, Aromatic and Flowers, ^#- Including Ladakh Union Territory