Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is an Indian-administered Union Territory located in the located in the country’s northern part, reconstituted from a state into two union territories (Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh) by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. It lies north of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, and west of Ladakh.
Jammu and Kashmir features several valleys, including the Kashmir Valley, enclosed by the Himalayas and Pir Panjal range, with the Jhelum River flowing through it.
The southern Jammu region is mountainous, with rivers like the Chenab, Tawi, and Ravi. The climate varies by region, with subtropical conditions in the south and cold, snowy winters in the Kashmir Valley, where most rainfall occurs in spring.
The economy is primarily services based and agri-oriented at current prices, the GSDP of J&K has been estimated at Rs. 2.30 trillion (US$ 27.70 billion) in 2023-24. The UT’s GSDP increased at a CAGR of 7.53% between 2018-19 and 2023-24. 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 J&K. Food processing and an ideal climate for floriculture and an enormous assortment of flora and fauna. J&K 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 export potential, the industry has been receiving priority attention of the government. The UT 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. Total exports from J&K stood at US$ 33.65 million in FY25 (Until August). Major items exported from J&K are drug formulations and biologicals, RMG wool, and manmade yarn fabrics.
Government of Jammu & Kashmir submitted its Strategic Investment Plan (SIP) under Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) to the Ministry of MSME, GoI, on 14th August 2024 and RPC approved 9 projects worth Rs. 66.63 Crores for Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir for the remaining two and half years of the programme aligning with the financial years (FYs 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27).
The key projects approved are as follows:
- Formalization & Promotion of MSMEs through Udyam Registration drives
- Penetration MSME Digital Financing
- MSME Packaging & Publicity of GI/ODOP/ DEH/Unique Products from J&K
- Buyer Seller Meets & Reverse Buyer Seller Meets
- Jammu & Kashmir MSME Health Clinic
- Producer Companies/Associations for GI/ODOP/ DEH/Unique Products under Cluster Development Programs
- Jammu & Kashmir RAMP M&E Dashboard
- Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Programme (ESDP) for aspiring MSMEs/Entrepreneurs
- Management Development and Upskilling of existing MSMEs/Entrepreneurs
