BUSINESS

In a major boost for Kashmir’s horticulture sector, the first refrigerated parcel train carrying 24 tonnes of fresh cherries departed from Katra station in Jammu  Kashmir to Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus on Saturday. The Northern Railway’s Jammu division hailed the move as a “historic” initiative to improve freight connectivity for perishable goods from the region. The refrigerated parcel van, attached to a goods train, is expected to reach Mumbai within 30 hours. Originally slated for dispatch on June 3, the shipment was advanced to accommodate additional loading requests from Katra and Jammu stations. “This milestone was made possible through close coordination between the railways, horticulture department, and fruit growers’ associations,” said Uchit Singhal, Senior Divisional Comme...

In response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people—25 of them tourists—the Indian travel industry has launched a nationwide campaign titled “Chalo Kashmir” to revive tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Spearheaded by the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), the initiative brings together over 2,400 member companies and aims to reach a million potential travellers with special tour packages, discounted airfares, and safety assurances. “While recent disturbances have raised concerns, they cannot diminish the timeless appeal of the region,” TAAI said in a statement. “By encouraging travel to Jammu and Kashmir, we support local livelihoods and send a message of resilience, unity and hope.” The campaign comes amid a sharp downturn in the tourism sector, with the P...

As the early morning sun warms the fields of Kashmir’s famous ‘Strawberry Village’ in Gassoo, located near Dargah Hazratbal on the outskirts of Srinagar, the farmers have begun harvesting their first bunch of vibrant red strawberries, marking the start of the much-awaited season. The village, known for its fertile soil and favourable climate has emerged as a hub for strawberry cultivation over the past few years. With baskets in hand and hope in their hearts, farmers say the harvest brings not just income but a deep sense of satisfaction. “This is the time we wait for all year,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a local farmer while speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). He said the strawberries have grown, and the yield looks promising this season. Locals from ...

Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday chaired a crucial meeting with key stakeholders in the tourism industry, promising comprehensive efforts to restore confidence in the region's travel sector, which has recently been hit hard by unrest and uncertainty. The meeting, attended by senior officials including Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, and top tourism and police officials, also brought together prominent private sector representatives, including Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya of the J-K Hoteliers Club. Addressing the participants, Abdullah called for the formulation of a thoughtful and inclusive tourism revival plan. “Let us shape this plan with care, not haste,” he urged. He propos...

At the inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, Kashmiri handicrafts have emerged as an unexpected highlight. Amid the cutting-edge technology and discussions on digital futures, a dedicated exhibition of Kashmir’s centuries-old crafts—curated by SWADESH under the Reliance Foundation—has captivated international delegates, offering a tangible connection to India’s rich cultural heritage. Over 10,000 delegates, including creators, companies, and startups from 90 countries, attended the summit, and many found themselves drawn to the intricate Kashmiri carpets and delicate embroidery. A tech executive from Singapore, who came to discuss advancements in artificial intelligence, admitted to spending nearly an hour m...

The ongoing closure of the Srinagar-Jammu Highway due to massive landslides and flash floods in Ramban district has begun to cast a shadow over the Valley’s upcoming marriage season, with a looming shortage of livestock threatening to derail wedding plans. A senior member of the ‘All Kashmir Wholesale Mutton Dealers Association,’ told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that more than 100 trucks laden with sheep and goats are currently stranded at multiple locations, including Rajouri, Poonch, Bafliaz, and Samba. “Each truck carries around 150 animals, and in the suffocating conditions of halted traffic, we are witnessing the death of two to four sheep daily per vehicle,” he said. The prolonged highway blockade, triggered by Sunday’s devastating weather events, has not only disrupted ...

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 ...