Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Start-up Policy, 2018 has its focus on some sectors for promoting the start-ups. But let us find out which sectors is the J&K government focussing for promoting the start-ups now:
List of Sectors
Agriculture
J&K is depended on Agriculture that includes its strong Horticulture and lively floriculture Sector. The key focus is to promote the local produce to take it to the global market. Government’s continuous efforts to increase the resources and connectivity to the market to make the horticulture sector strong with advanced technologies shall add to the welfare of farmers and increase their income. Recently, the Horticulture Department organised a ‘Horti-Expo 2021’ in February 2021 in the valley. The expo aimed to make the farmers aware of the new technologies of farming adopted by other states. The invitation was extended to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh to participate and present their stalls to create a platform to learn the best practises other states are following for good crops in India.
The government declared to increase the budget share for the agriculture sector in the future because of an exceptional/unique sustainable agriculture plan developed in J&K, that caters to all the developmental needs. With the help of ‘Krishi Vigyan Kendra’, the government aims to bridge the gap between farmers and the scientific methods and Technology.
Handicrafts and Handloom
J&K is the most prominent location for handloom and handicraft products like Paper Mache, Shawls, Carpets, Finest Silk, embroidery, chain stitches, willow wicker and Pashmina Wool. In a step to promote rural economy and boost the sales, the government signed a pact in October 2020 with the online retailer Flipkart to show case and facilitate the local artisans, weavers, and craftsmen for its global reach. The government aims to boost handicrafts by shortlisting the social media agencies to aid artisans for marketing and publicity of the products. A 14 days’ handicraft and handloom exhibition were organised during the Tulip show in Srinagar and an awareness camp on government schemes for handlooms weavers was organised in the first week of April 2021.
Renewable energy
A first of its kind project to produce electricity is expected to begin in J&K soon. It will be India’s first solar ‘agro-photovoltaic’ power project where a solar project will be set up on 100 hectares and shall also be used to cultivate saffron. The project is expected to start in Pampore with the expected project cost of around Rs 50 crore.
Food Processing
J&K is the largest producers of apples, walnuts, and cherry in India along with Saffron which is one of the most expensive spices in the world. A 10-day long training programme ‘One district One Product’ covering various stages in food processing was concluded around mid-April 2021.
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India’s first solar ‘agro-photovoltaic’ power project where a solar project will be set up on 100 hectares and shall also be used to cultivate saffron.
What’s in it for me?
As per Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), 69 Start-ups in J&K have registered under the ‘Startup India Scheme.’ recently. The focus of start-ups will be to create Jobs and boost the economy. For young entrepreneurs, under startup India campaign, the government of India had announced Rs 945 crore ‘Startup India Seed Fund’ (SISFS) that was to be disbursed through selected incubators across the nation that is operational from 1 April 2021 till 2025. The Rs 945 crore scheme aims to provide the financial assistance to start-ups. Thus, boosting the startup ecosystem in India.
With the government’s focus on these major four sectors like Agriculture, consumer services like handicraft and handloom, renewable energy and food processing means more business and investment opportunities in these sectors and a look out for new start-ups.
