KASHMIR : AN ECONOMIC EYE
INTRODUCTION
The Geographical area of the State of Jammu and Kashmir is diverse ranging from the plain area from the borders shared with Punjab, the hilly terrain of Jammu and mountain ranges spread over the larger part including the Great Himalayan, Zanskar Pir Panjal and the upper boundaries of the state being bounded by Karakoram Range. Interspersed with perennial rivers flowing from east from the Tibet plateau to ingress the Indian subcontinent. The vegetation and agriculture in itself is diverse with well watered areas and rich organic soils. In the alpine area average precipitate is around 75 mm but in the Jammu region it is around 1150 mm per year. The region is prone to violent seismic activity.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND POWER
The mountains are limited in mineral and fossil deposits with maximum of it are concentrated in the plains of Jammu with small reserves of bauxite and gypsum occurring in Udhampur. Ores such as limestone, coal, zinc, copper. The industrial population of Jammu and Kashmir is largely dependent on the available resources. The majority of the areas are electrified with the hydroelectric and thermal generating power plants. They have been constructed to provide power for industrial development with major power stations are located at Chineni and Salal. Jammu and Kashmir has vast hydroelectric generating potential along the south western part of the Chenab river but also along the Indus, Jhelum and Ravi river. Although in present scenario only a fraction of it is being exploited in present.
MAUFACTURING PROCESS
The mechanical and manufacturing processes in the field of metalware, precision instruments, furniture, resin and turpentine and the bulk of which is located in Srinagar. The state has placed incentives along with a smooth process and clearance mechanism thought which land is allotted at concessional rates in Industrial area for 90 years. The overall cost of the setup is much lesser as compared to other states. With local Industry flourishing the state has seen a constant neglect in terms of FDI from the MNCs.
HANDICRAFTS
Industries have developed from rural crafts including handloom weaving of silk, cotton and wool. Carpet weaving wood carving and leather work add to the tourism of Kashmir by attracting and exporting goods to various parts of the country. The handicraft sector makes contribution in sustaining the export of the state providing employment and potential to generate employment outside the state as well. The industry has in particular grown from double digit budget to a Industry in itself also keeping the financial autonomy.
AGRICULTURE
Due to the geographical location the area is best suited for horticulture and floriculture. The rural economy is horticulture dominant with overall apple export share increasing by 3-4% every 5 year The state is also a major stake holder in the international walnut export with percentages up to 8%.
TOURISM
Kashmir can also prove out to be a hub for tourism. Due to its geography, it provides opportunity to conduct various winter and adventure sports. Activities like skiing, rock climbing, river rafting, trekking etc. are enjoyed by thousands of tourists every year in the valley. This can also be lucrative for the locals of the Kashmir as the can be recruited as coaches of these winter and adventure sports. On the other hand the places around these areas where these sports are played can be used by the locals to open shops and sell their self-made products or products which symbolizes the beauty of Kashmir. In this way new job opportunities can be created for the locals thus bringing them on a noble path and helping them to contribute towards nation’s development.
