The Kashmir brand under the Make in India initiative is getting extremely popular among the international markets. Earlier, the edibles market from Kashmir was limited to fruits or dry fruits. The government mainly produced these for export in the gulf areas. However, now the market has expanded to more daily needs items.
A lot has changed under the current administration, it should not surprise anyone to see small shops selling things like Kashmiri lavender oils and Kashmiri carpets.
Earlier, Kashmir produced Fruits and dry fruits for export. However, the market has expanded to include several other tidbits like dried apricots, rose oil, herbs, etc. German and other European markets are increasing their demand for products from Kashmir.
This increase in demand is a direct result of the efforts of the Indian government. The government of India has introduced agricultural diversification in Jammu and Kashmir. The world knows that nature has blessed the Himalayas with various rare and medicinal plants and herbs. However, the area was plagued with insecurity and instability for thirty years.
As a result of the insecurity prevalent in the areas, individuals turned to stealing and smuggling herbs and plants. The government of India has successfully avoided threats of this nature by giving the region the status of a Union Territory.
The government has started to make efforts to replenish the stock of rare plants and herbs. As a part of these efforts, the Jammu and Kashmir governments set up a repository of maximum plant species in the form of herbal parks. The Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SKUAST-Kashmir, is one of the frontrunners in the initiative.
The government has started to bring extinct herbs and plants into the valley. Experts from all over the country are figuring out ways to plant these varieties in the valley. These efforts have led to increased business opportunities for the people farmers.
In the post covid era, the world has started to lean towards consuming natural supplements, aromatherapy and such. Additionally, the world has begun to give priority to their health. In line with this, Jammu and Kashmir have a business opportunity with the wide variety of herbs and plants they have in store. The state can get a chance to trade with the world and satisfy the needs of the west with their products
