BUSINESS

For the second consecutive year Kupwara district has recorded the highest number of walnut production in Jammu and Kashmir. The district is also known for many other fruit production but walnut remains its mainstay. As per officials about 80 per cent of the total population in the district is directly or indirectly associated with agricultural and horticulture activities. Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), an official of the Horticulture department said that Kupwara district has again this year remained the top producer of walnuts in the entire J&K. The official said that 37,010 metric tonnes of walnuts were produced this year in the district. The official said that Rajwar, Vilgam, Kralgund, Ashpora, Langate, Mawer, Sogam, Trehgam, Kralpora and Teethwal are...

Soon after completing her graduation Aamina (25) searched for a job both in government and private sector. Given that she had limitations of looking after her home as well, Aamina decided to set up her own venture to generate employment for others as well. Come 2021, she set up a boutique, which made her financially independent apart from generating employment for other skilled women as well. “Now, I have four designers working in my boutique. The idea became successful as I devoted my entire time to expanding my business. From stylish Pherans to beautiful dresses, we cater to a large number of women in Baramulla district,” she said. Not only Aamina, scores of the women are setting up their own ventures to become financially independent and to counter unemployment. As per th...

In a distressing turn of events, 500 girl students hailing from Katra, Jammu Kashmir, encountered a disturbing experience during their educational tour in Mumbai. The students, who were on an educational excursion, faced a series of alarming incidents during their stay at the Royal Palms Hotel in Goregaon. Professor Rajesh Singh, who accompanied the students, shed light on the unsettling conditions they encountered. The hotel, infamous due to previous incidents involving a sex racket and recent police raids, provided inadequate facilities and failed to maintain even basic hygiene standards. Reports emerged that the hotel rooms were unclean, with stained sheets and unsatisfactory amenities, leaving the girls dismayed and distressed. The situation escalated during dinner when ...

The heavy flow of Iranian apple into Indian markets has again started bothering valley apple growers, who claimed that they are facing losses for the last half-a month. Apple growers told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), cheaper Iranian apple varieties have started making their presence in the Indian market, which has brought down the demand and rates for Kashmiri apple. “Kashmiri apples this year had a great demand. We had a very little apple crop due to which the rates were high. But now like previous years, Iranian apples are entering India via Wagah border in huge quantities,” said North Kashmir Fruit Growers Association, president Fayaz Ahmad Malik. He said the imports of Iranian apples have been coming for the last 15 days which brought down the rates of apples by mo...

Tourists visiting Kashmir may not be able to see and enjoy their stays in the iconic houseboats after a decade from now as the number of “floating palaces” has recorded a drastic decline from 2000 to just 750--Courtesy: blanket ban on construction and non-availability of master craftsmen. The number of houseboats, one of the huge attractions for the tourists, is dwindling at a great pace due to the blanket ban on construction. Another major reason for the diminishing number of houseboats is that there are only master craftsmen left, who too are in the later part of their life, not able to work much. In an exclusive chat with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), President Houseboat Owners Association (HBOA), Manzoor Pakhtoon said that till early 1980’s, there were almost 2000 ...

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I), in a press release said that they have been closely observing the ongoing erratic power supply in the Kashmir valley. “This has been gravely affecting the industry, trade/business, and households in general,” says KCC&I. The Chamber expresses its concern and disappointment with the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and its “unreliable and contradictory policies” for maintaining regular power supply. “The department promised uninterrupted electric supply with the installation of smart meters, but this hasn’t been the case. Power supply remains severely erratic for most of the year,” adds KCC&I. KPDCL’s announced schedule for electric supply hasn’t been followed, further compounding the issue...

After many years, Kashmir’s apple is witnessing a huge demand with rates going up by 50 percent compared to last year. However, growers claimed that the production this year has reduced by 40 percent due to the weather vagaries. In all the fruit markets of the valley and the rest of India, the Kashmir apple is currently ruling the roost. Compared to the previous year the rates of apples this season have gone up by 50 per cent. President Parimpora Fruit Mandi, Bashir Ahmad Bashir said that the Grade A apple was sold between Rs 1000- 1300 per box. Last year, he said the same quality of apple would fetch them Rs 600 per box. “If we talk about Shopian Garde A apple, its cost ranges from Rs 1200-1300 per box. Similarly, apples coming from north Kashmir are being sold at Rs 800...

Program Management, Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Services (PACTS) III Overview Introduction: US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is standing Pacts III (Program Management, Administrative, Clerical, and Technical Services III) IDIQ contract as the ordering period of PACTS II (2017 – 2023) is coming to an end. The anticipated solicitation release date is November 17, 2023. This IDIQ Contract is released under the primary NAICS 541611, 561110 & 541330 in three Functional Categories: FC1 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services), FC2 (Office of Administrative Services), & FC3 (Engineering Services) respectively. This contract vehicle is set aside for four socio-economic categories viz, SDVOSB, WOSB, HUBZone, and 8(a) and has 10 Years a...

Jammu and Kashmir is set to introduce an amendment to the J&K Shops and Commercial Establishments 1966 Act, allowing women to work night shifts in shops and various commercial establishments throughout the region. The J&K Shops and Commercial Establishments 1966 Act currently regulates the working conditions and employment standards in a wide range of establishments, including shops, commercial businesses, residential hotels, restaurants, theaters, entertainment venues, and other businesses in Jammu Kashmir. Under this amendment, employers have been asked to prioritize the safety and security of female employees working night shifts, ensuring transportation to their homes. Additionally, a key provision mandates that at least three women must be present in the workplace dur...