BUSINESS

The Centre on Tuesday said that the production of saffron has declined by over 67 percent from 2010 to 2024, however, the production has increased marginally by 4 percent in the last year. ALSO READ: Industrial pollution forces transition of Kashmir’s Saffron farmers to new frontiers In reply to a question by National Conference MP Hasnain Masoodi, the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Arjun Munda, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said as per the estimates provided by the Office of Financial Commissioner (Revenue) of Jammu & Kashmir, the production of saffron in Jammu and Kashmir has decreased from 8.0 MT in 2010-11 to 2.6 MT in 2023-24 (provisional), resulting in an overall decline in production by about 67.5% over the period. "However, during the ...

Two college-going youths from Kashmir have secured a deal on India's famous reality show, Shark Tank. In the recent episode of Shark Tank India 3, Hamaad and Saad Tramboo, aged 18 and 20, showcased their brand of Kashmir willow bats. The Srinagar-based Tramboo Sports has been manufacturing cricket bats from both English willow and Kashmiri willow. The duo mentioned that Kashmir Willow is heavier than English Willow, yet they have successfully managed it. They claimed ownership of the largest manufacturer of Kashmir Willow Bats, using Premium Grade 1 Kashmir Willow to craft their products, ensuring lighter and better-quality cricket bats. Since its inception in 2021, the duo also claimed that their brand has sold over 20,000 bats, even securing a deal for 1,000 bats in Qatar....

Apple growers and traders in Kashmir have expressed concern over a significant drop in fruit prices in the last few weeks. Growers from different areas said that apples fetched good returns earlier but now rates have dipped with some 10 per cent of the produce yet to reach mandis from cold storages. Aafaq Ahmad, an apple trader from Pulwama said that A grade apple would fetch over Rs 1300 in October, November and December last year but now it is sold for around Rs 900-1000. He said that the same is the case with B-grade apples and rates have witnessed a decline of around Rs 200 per box. Growers said that the main reason behind the decline in prices is continuous import of apples from other countries. Subzar Ahmad, another Apple trader from Shopian said that they sold apples ...

On Tuesday, Uber commenced its operations in Jammu Kashmir, making Srinagar its first city of service. The ride-hailing giant introduced both UberGo and Uber Intercity services in the valley. Uber Intercity rides are now available for destinations like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam, providing more options for users to explore beyond Srinagar. In a press statement, Uber stated, “The launch of our service will create meaningful earning opportunities for drivers and will support the economic growth of local communities.” With the introduction of Uber Intercity, users can now book rides for return journeys lasting up to five days, providing flexibility and convenience, Uber said. Highlighting the user benefits, Uber mentioned that all rides, including Intercity trips, can be bo...

Anantnag district has surpassed Pulwama district in milk production, earning the ‘New Anand of Kashmir’ title. Anantnag is presently producing 7.29 lakh litres of milk per day. Officials said the annual milk production in the district is approximately 266.35 thousand tonnes, surpassing Pulwama, which has an annual milk production of 262.95 thousand tonnes. Other districts reported varying levels of milk production, with Budgam at 240.70 thousand tonnes, Baramulla at 199.85 thousand tonnes, Kulgam at 161 thousand tonnes, Kupwara at 153.95 thousand tonnes, Bandipora at 119.98 thousand tonnes and Srinagar at 100.410 thousand tonnes. Ganderbal and Shopian recorded the lowest milk production, with 96.37 thousand tonnes and 72.96 thousand tonnes annually, respectively. Chief Animal H...

The Administrative Council, led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved the absorption of 145 permanent employees from Centaur Lake View Hotel, Srinagar, into Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), Jammu Kashmir Cable Car Corporation Ltd (JKCCC), and Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation Ltd, Srinagar (JKTDC) effective from 01.03.2023, instead of 22-05-2023. The decision revises a prior approval from 22-05-2023, as indicated in Government Order No. 86-JK(TSM) of 2023 dated 12.07.2023. The meeting was attended by Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; and Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG. In 2022, Centaur Hotel employees protested the government's alleged polarization, citing an evic...

As Kashmir Valley is grappling with a severe dry spell throughout the hard winter, the experts have raised concerns about its impact on fish production in the region. They said the unusual absence of rain or snow is disrupting the delicate balance of water bodies, potentially jeopardising fish. However, the fisheries department contends that production has steadily increased over the past four years and is anticipated to rise further in the upcoming season. Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Dr Imtiaz Ahmed Khan, Chief Proctor at Kashmir University and renowned Ichthyologist said the effect of the dry spell on fish in Kashmir is evident. When the water level decreases, it forces the fish out of their comfort zone, he said, adding, "In winter, fish usually stay...

Beyond the breath-taking mirror of Dal Lake lies a hidden story etched in wood and vibrant colours. Nestled amidst the beautiful Dal Lake, serves as a canvas for the craftsmanship exhibited in the iconic Shikaras and houseboats that grace its waters. Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the skilled artist whose families have meticulously crafted these wooden wonders for generations, Ghulam Nabi Kinzou, said, “I have been working in this craft for the last 25 to 30 years. My father was involved in this craft, and after him, I took over this craft of Shikaras and houseboat making. We have about 10 to 15 types of Shikara made here, and it takes us about 20 days to make Shikara.” “It is a time-consuming and hectic process but thanks to the Almighty Allah, work is good...

The traditional art of walnut wood carving is facing a decline as demand diminishes, posing challenges to the centuries-old craft and its skilled artisans. Artisans associated with this craft expressed their concerns to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), saying the tradition of walnut wood carving is experiencing a decline. Ghulam Qadir Matoo, 80, a seasoned walnut wood carving artist in Arampora Nawakadal Srinagar, said his grandfather, Ghulam Mohammad Matoo, initiated their workshop in 1920. He recounted that there used to be hundreds of artisans engaged in walnut wood carving, but after 1980, the industry witnessed a decline due to a shift in people's preferences and a decrease in demand. “Tourists visit the area, but they prefer purchasing from showrooms, which yi...

After apple, it is now walnuts, which suffer heavy losses due to the bulk import of this dry fruit from Afghanistan. Kashmiri walnut, which has already been suffering due to the onslaught by Californian and Chile walnuts is now facing threat from the Afghani walnuts. President Kashmir Walnut Growers Association Haji Bahadur Khan told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Kashmir News Observer that bulk quantities of walnuts were imported from Afghanistan to India, which he said was denting this particular industry. “We are witnessing immense losses due to these imports. There is a free trade agreement between India and Afghanistan due to which walnuts come in large quantities to India. It has invaded our domestic market to a large extent,” he said. While Khan said they will...