Rising unemployment in Kashmir remains a pressing concern, with many young people still chasing government jobs. Experts say the solution lies in local entrepreneurship, but timely financial support and guidance from the government are essential to unlock the potential of the valley’s youth.
From agriculture and dairy to tech and tourism, there are numerous profitable business opportunities in Kashmir that can generate steady income and create local jobs. Here are 10 top business ideas for 2025.
1. Agriculture Business
Agriculture contributes around 23% of Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, yet much of the sector remains unorganized. Local entrepreneurs can generate jobs while reducing dependency on imports.
High-potential niches:
- Potato cultivation
- Onion cultivation
- Mushroom cultivation
- Saffron cultivation
- Vegetable seeds
- Cut flowers
- Apple orchards
- Walnuts & almonds
- Strawberry farming
Tip: Focusing on crops like potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and strawberries can help curb imports and retain local money in the economy.
2. Dairy Farming
Despite local demand, Kashmir imports large quantities of milk. Entrepreneurs can invest in dairy farms to provide quality milk to urban areas and reduce reliance on outside suppliers.
3. Butter & Curd Production
Beyond milk, there is a high demand for butter, ghee, and curd among households, hotels, and restaurants. Small-scale production units can be highly profitable.
4. Poultry Farming
Local consumption of poultry is high, but production in Kashmir is limited. Establishing poultry farms can fill this gap and reduce outflow to other states.
5. Recycling Business
Kashmir’s recycling sector is underdeveloped. Entrepreneurs can collect paper, plastic, aluminium, and metal scraps and sell them to recycling plants. This is both profitable and environmentally friendly.
6. E-Commerce Solutions
With growing online shopping trends, local retailers, hotels, and enterprises need professional help to go digital.
Opportunities include:
- Building online stores
- Setting up virtual shopping carts
- SEO, SEM, and social media optimization (SMO)
7. Computer Support Services
There is strong demand for computer repair and IT support across banks, schools, government offices, and private businesses in Kashmir. Services can include troubleshooting, hardware repairs, and software installation.
8. Web Design & Development
As more people rely on the internet for education, shopping, and services, web design and development is a lucrative option for tech-savvy youth. Schools, colleges, universities, and businesses require websites and online portals.
9. Tourism-Related Business
Tourism is a major industry in Kashmir, providing around 30% employment. With over a million tourists visiting annually, businesses can thrive in:
- Homestays and guesthouses
- Guided tours and adventure tourism
- Restaurants and cafes
- Souvenir and handicraft shops
10. Sheep Farming
Kashmir consumes around 51,000 tonnes of mutton annually, but nearly 21,000 tonnes are imported. Local sheep farming can reduce imports and generate substantial revenue for entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways for Kashmiri Youth
- Focus on profitable, high-demand sectors like agriculture, tourism, and e-commerce.
- Explore government schemes and financial support for startups.
- Consider small-scale investments first and scale gradually.
- Combining traditional industries with technology can maximize profits.
With proper planning and financial backing, entrepreneurs in Kashmir can build sustainable businesses that create jobs, reduce import dependency, and boost the local economy. From agriculture to IT services and tourism, 2025 presents multiple opportunities for ambitious youth ready to take the leap.
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
- News Deskhttps://thekashmiriyat.co.uk/author/kashmiriyat/
