BUSINESS

Shikarawallas (traditional boatmen) at the iconic Manasbal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir here have demanded the authorities to implement urgent measures to halt the ecological decline of the picturesque water body and restore its pristine charm. Known for its tranquil waters, vibrant lotus blooms, and status as one of Kashmir’s deepest lakes, Manasbal has long been a quiet highlight for nature enthusiasts but faces mounting environmental threats. The boatmen, whose livelihoods are intertwined with the lake’s health, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) argued that a robust revival plan could transform Manasbal into a thriving tourism hotspot while healing its fragile ecosystem. “This lake is a jewel, but it is fading. Proper cleaning, infrastructure, and promotion could ...

The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has raised alarm over the looming collapse of the poultry sector in Jammu and Kashmir, urging the government to treat it as an economic emergency. In a joint meeting with the Kashmir Valley Poultry Farmers Association (KVPFA), stakeholders said the sector—once a rural economic backbone—has been crippled by policy neglect, market disruptions, and rising costs. Local production has dropped from 85% to just 20% of total consumption since the removal of the Lakhanpur toll post and associated tax exemptions. KVPFA members warned of an "economic and social disaster" without immediate support, citing the influx of cheap imports, lack of infrastructure, and high poultry mortality due to harsh climate. They also flagged health concerns o...

Danishwar Hameed After years of struggle and repeated pleas, Kashmiri apple farmers’ demand for an insurance scheme has finally been addressed by the government. The Jammu Kashmir administration announced that the Crop Insurance Scheme (CIS) is now fully implemented across the region, providing financial protection against crop losses caused by unforeseen events. According to the Minister for Agriculture Production, the scheme—initially launched in 2016—has now been extended to all districts, covering apples under a Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS). Farmers in Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, and Budgam will now benefit from insurance coverage, along with financial assistance under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), which has allocated ₹997.85 crore ...

Jammu Kashmir has recorded a 19.6% increase in milk production in 2023-24, reaching 2,993 thousand metric tonnes (MT), up from 2,503 thousand MT in the previous year. The Economic Survey Report 2023-24 has set a target of 3,400 thousand MT for 2024-25. The region currently produces around 70 lakh litres of milk daily, with Kashmir contributing 40 lakh litres and Jammu 30 lakh litres. Between 2018-19 and 2022-23, milk production increased by only 1.7%, from 2,460 thousand MT to 2,503 thousand MT. 40% of the new dairy units established in the past year are owned by individuals under 35, many with backgrounds in business, agriculture, or veterinary sciences. Several initiatives have contributed to the increase in production, including the expansion of artificial insemination coverage...

Bhat Yasir The Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly has introduced the Jammu Kashmir Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, bringing significant changes to the taxation system in the region. The bill, which amends the J&K GST Act, 2017, aligns the region’s tax laws with national GST reforms while expanding the taxation scope to include digital services like online gaming and virtual digital assets. One of the most notable changes, as per a copy of the bill accessed by The Kashmiriyat, is the inclusion of online gaming, betting, casinos, and virtual digital assets (VDAs) in the tax net. The amendment defines online money gaming as any digital game where players deposit money or virtual assets with the expectation of winning monetary rewards. Additionally, virtual digit...

Jammu Kashmir recorded a total honey production of 17,701.57 quintals in the 2023-24 financial year, with Anantnag emerging as the top-producing district, according to data released by the Agriculture Production Department, Jammu Kashmir. According to data, with a total of 214,504 functional beehives across the UT, the honey industry remains a key part of JK’s agricultural economy, with private beekeepers contributing the majority of the production. Anantnag topped the list with 4,029.06 quintals, followed by Ramban (3,654.80 quintals) and Kupwara (1,140.00 quintals). The contribution of private beekeepers is evident, as government-supported production remains marginal. Jammu produced 1,100.35 quintals of honey, while nearby Udhampur (673.35 quintals) and Doda (370.89 quintals) al...

Dismissing concerns over land allotment to non-local investors, Wani stated that bringing businesses from outside Jammu Kashmir was not a new development. "Who said people from outside cannot do business here? Investors were invited earlier as well, but the situation was not favourable. Now, efforts are being made to generate employment, so what is wrong with that? Let them come and invest. We hope the Lieutenant Governor approves the proposal," he said. Official data reveals that since 2016, a total of 6,816.25 kanal of land has been allotted to 213 non-local investors under the Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy 2016-26 and the amended Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021-30. Of this, 6,408.25 kanal was allocated to 205 investors in the Jammu region, while eight investors receive...

Over 200 investors from outside Jammu Kashmir have been provided land in the industrial estates to set up their business units in Jammu Kashmir in the past decade, official data said. The process of land acquisition by outside investors, mostly from Delhi, Haryana and Punjab, marked manifold increase after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019. According to the data shared by the industries and commerce department, the majority of investors preferred Kathua and Samba districts in the Jammu region to establish their firms compared to a very few businessmen showing interest in Kashmir. Under the industrial policy 2016-26, a total of 28 businessmen from different parts of the country were allotted over 500 k...

The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union (KVFGDU) has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister to intervene in order to curb the influx of imported apples, which they argue is jeopardizing the local fruit industry, Kashmir News Observer reported. In letters sent separately to both officials, KVFGDU highlighted the growing concerns over the impact of imported apples on Kashmir's horticulture sector, a crucial part of the region’s economy. The union emphasized that over 700,000 families depend directly or indirectly on the sector. The letter to the Prime Minister stated, “India is one of the largest apple producers globally. However, the surge in imported apples is severely affecting fruit growers in JK, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, pushin...

In early 2023, the central government reduced the monthly rice allotment to Jammu and Kashmir under the Public Distribution System (PDS), limiting the supply to five kilograms per person from the earlier 35 kilograms per family. The move, justified under a nationwide ration rationalization, left thousands of families struggling to afford rice in a region where it remains a staple. In his first budget as Jammu Kashmir’s finance minister, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has attempted to respond to the crisis. Presenting the budget on March 7, Abdullah announced an additional 10 kilograms of free rice per month for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families. The provision is expected to benefit over 3.2 lakh families, but some question whether it tackles the root issue of economic vulnerability or ...