In a measure development, that would give boost to the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, country’s one of the oldest apex body Assocham has assured full support to Jammu Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) and will globally promote the local products and bring investment into the Union Territory. As pointed out by Chairman Assocham J&K Council Manik Batra J&K has wide range of exclusive and best quality products in different sectors like handlooms and handicraft, agriculture and horticulture and Assocham would channelise the global market through its wide network of 4.5 lakh members to promote such products. During past three decades of turmoil Jammu and Kashmir’s economy has suffered a lot and the spread of pandemic too has added to the losses to J&K’s businesses. Having tremendous potential in handlooms, handicrafts, agriculture and horticulture, Assocham’s assistance in globalizing the products would understandably open the markets of the outer world for J&K goods. Recently, the UT administration took a historic decision of ferrying fruits like cherry, with lesser shelf life, to Dubai and other places thus benefiting the fruit growers here. Assocham’s involvement would a great help and will introduce J&K’s products to outer world.
It goes without saying that products from J&K, be it handloom, handicrafts or fruit are second to none as for as quality is concerned. However, Kashmir Valley being landlocked and dependent on only one road – Srinagar Jammu highway – which is a fair-weather road, the potential of these sectors, particularly the horticulture and agriculture products is not exploited properly. Unfortunately, governments that be, have never taken these sectors serious and the trade has been happened on run of mill pattern without any modern or scientific intervention. Now that the UT government has prioritized these sector and is keen to exploit the potential fully, Assocham’s plans of intervention are undoubtedly going to supplement the government efforts. Assocham being a responsible national chamber has committed to globally promote the products of Jammu and Kashmir and bring investments into Jammu and Kashmir. Assocham and other such organizations can play a vital role in helping Jammu and Kashmir achieve various goals. Jammu and Kashmir has several sectors with great scope and can play a vital role in the growth of the economy of J&K and can strengthen the trade eco-system in various sectors like IT, education and medical. The government should ensure that all the concerned departments work in coordination with Assocham to achieve the goals. Jammu and Kashmir has suffered a lot during past few decades and its economy needs a major push. Besides tourism, which remains unpredictable given the pandemic, the handlooms, handicrafts, horticulture and agriculture are the main economic activity of Jammu and Kashmir and the government should focus on these sector to ensure a peaceful, developed and progressive Jammu and Kashmir.
