J&K sets Rs 10,000 cr export target for next 5 years. Focus areas include…

31 October 2024

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Srinagar, Oct 31: Jammu & Kashmir government has unveiled its Draft Export Policy 2024, setting an ambitious export target of Rs 10,000 crore within the next five years. Informed officials told Ziraat Times that to achieve this, the policy outlines strategic steps to develop an export-friendly ecosystem that leverages J&K’s rich cultural, agricultural, and industrial resources. By enhancing trade infrastructure, promoting innovation, and supporting emerging sectors, the policy envisions transforming J&K’s economy into an export-driven engine, officials say.

Core export areas: Handicrafts, handlooms, and agri-commodities

Jammu & Kashmir’s handicrafts and handloom sectors are world-renowned, contributing significantly to its export profile. Kashmiri handicrafts like Pashmina shawls, carpets, papier-mâché items, and walnut wood carvings have high demand globally due to their exquisite quality and uniqueness. The export policy emphasizes promoting GI (Geographical Indication)-tagged products, ensuring authenticity and enhancing global appeal.

Additionally, the agricultural sector is a prime focus. As Saffron, Kashmir’s rare and premium spice, now carries a GI tag and commands high value in international markets, the export policy seeks to focus on its expansion and other prominent agri-exports include apples, walnuts, and honey, all known for their exceptional quality.

Emerging sectors: Pharmaceuticals, IT, and biotechnology

“The focus on these sectors aligns with global market trends and aims to diversify J&K’s export portfolio. The policy highlights skill development and capacity building, essential for creating a competitive edge in these high-tech fields”, a senior official told Ziraat Times.

District-led export growth: A new horizontal approach

The policy introduces a district-level approach to promote export growth across J&K. By designating districts as export hubs, the policy seeks to boost economic activity at the grassroots level and support local businesses. This approach aligns with the existing “One District, One Product” (ODOP) initiative, which promotes unique products from each district. Under this model, district-specific action plans in J&K are designed to support sector-specific interventions, address supply chain challenges, and improve access to markets, creating a balanced export ecosystem.

Building ”Brand Jammu & Kashmir”

Creating a distinctive brand for Jammu & Kashmir in both domestic and international markets is a major goal of the export policy. “Brand Jammu & Kashmir” aims to enhance the visibility of its unique products and establish a reputation for quality and authenticity. This branding effort will be backed by promotional campaigns, trade fairs, and events, showcasing J&K’s products on prestigious platforms. Enhanced visibility will help attract international buyers and position Jammu & Kashmir as a destination for high-quality, traditional, and emerging products.

Marketing and institutional support through JKTPO

The Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) will play a pivotal role in executing the export policy by serving as a nodal agency for strategic planning, marketing, and capacity building. The organization will focus on creating a database of exporters, enabling better market insights and facilitating targeted marketing efforts. Additionally, JKTPO will aid exporters in identifying international markets, connecting with buyers, and navigating export regulations.

Addressing challenges and future outlook

Trade experts believe that the path to achieving the Rs 10,000 crore export target is not without challenges. Issues like limited access to global markets, competition, and logistical constraints pose significant hurdles. However, the policy’s comprehensive approach — spanning traditional sectors and high-growth industries — creates a diversified and resilient export base. The focus on skill development, quality enhancement, and infrastructure promises to build a sustainable export ecosystem.

”The government’s decision to create a strong analytical database on exports is a forward-looking approach. This database will facilitate data-driven decision-making, enabling better resource allocation and timely identification of market trends. Coupled with effective institutional support, these measures reflect a balanced and inclusive export strategy”, said the official.

Enhancing infrastructure and capacity building

To meet the export target, J&K government recognizes the need to upgrade both “hard” and “soft” infrastructure. The planned key interventions include:

– Common Facility Centers (CFCs) and Processing Centers: These centers are essential for industries requiring specialized processing facilities, allowing small businesses to access advanced production techniques without large investments.

– Raw Material Banks: By ensuring reliable access to high-quality raw materials, these banks will help stabilize production and reduce dependency on external suppliers.

– Skill Development and Capacity Building: Targeted training programs will focus on innovation, quality enhancement, and adherence to international standards, ensuring that local products are competitive in global markets.

– Quality Certification Support: Meeting international quality standards is crucial for global acceptance. The government plans to support certification processes, helping products from J&K meet export standards and instill buyer confidence.

Srinagar, Oct 31: Jammu & Kashmir government has unveiled its Draft Export Policy 2024, setting an ambitious export target of Rs 10,000 crore within the next five years. Informed officials told Ziraat Times that to achieve this, the policy outlines strategic steps to develop an export-friendly ecosystem that leverages J&K’s rich cultural, agricultural, and industrial resources. By enhancing trade infrastructure, promoting innovation, and supporting emerging sectors, the policy envisions transforming J&K’s economy into an export-driven engine, officials say.

Core export areas: Handicrafts, handlooms, and agri-commodities

Emerging sectors: Pharmaceuticals, IT, and biotechnology

While traditional exports remain a priority, the policy identifies emerging sectors like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, IT & ITES (Information Technology Enabled Services), biotechnology, and electric mobility as new growth engines.

“The focus on these sectors aligns with global market trends and aims to diversify J&K’s export portfolio. The policy highlights skill development and capacity building, essential for creating a competitive edge in these high-tech fields”, a senior official told Ziraat Times.

District-led export growth: A new horizontal approach

Building ”Brand Jammu & Kashmir”

Marketing and institutional support through JKTPO

Addressing challenges and future outlook

Enhancing infrastructure and capacity building

To meet the export target, J&K government recognizes the need to upgrade both “hard” and “soft” infrastructure. The planned key interventions include:
– Common Facility Centers (CFCs) and Processing Centers: These centers are essential for industries requiring specialized processing facilities, allowing small businesses to access advanced production techniques without large investments.
– Raw Material Banks: By ensuring reliable access to high-quality raw materials, these banks will help stabilize production and reduce dependency on external suppliers.
– Skill Development and Capacity Building: Targeted training programs will focus on innovation, quality enhancement, and adherence to international standards, ensuring that local products are competitive in global markets.
– Quality Certification Support: Meeting international quality standards is crucial for global acceptance. The government plans to support certification processes, helping products from J&K meet export standards and instill buyer confidence.