Here - Start-up Kashmir!

Agriculture is one of the key factors and the mainstay of the state’s economy.
• Rice, maize and wheat are the major cereals of J&K.
• J&K is largest producer of Apple, Walnut, Almond and many other temperate
dry and fresh fruits.
• J&K holds number one position in saffron production in India, about 56.60
quintals in the year 2008-09.
• J&K is a major exporter of superior quality carpets, wooden art, embroidered
clothes and many other valuable crafts.
• 90 percent of Mushroom is canned and exported from the state.
Jammu and Kashmir’s GSDP (gross state domestic product)
As per the official statistics, contribution of the primary Sector to the GSDP in the financial
year 2009-10 is estimated at 21.10%. Likewise, the contributions of the Secondary and
Tertiary Sectors have been estimated at 29.82% and 49.08% respectively. This reflects a
growth rate of 10.35% as against 10.22% growth rate recorded last year.
Key industries in Jammu and Kashmir
Food processing and agro-based industries (excluding conventional grinding and extraction
units) thrive in the state because of an excellent climate for horticulture and floriculture.
Handicrafts, being the traditional industry of the state, has been receiving priority attention
of the government in view of its large employment base and exports potential. The state is
famous for some small-scale and cottage industries such as carpet weaving, silks, shawls,
basketry pottery, copper and silverware, paper-machine and walnut wood.
The Question: How can Kashmir’s youth be effectively enabled to take up entrepreneurship
to drive self-employment, economic growth and self-reliance?
The four Quadrants for the problem-solving report on the issue of
economy
Enabling Effective Entrepreneurship
I. QUADRANT ONE: PROBLEM
1.1 Social and cultural attitudes towards youth entrepreneurship are mostly
found to be negative.
1.2 There is a serious lack of enterprise education in Kashmir, especially among
Youth.
1.3 There is an extremely limited access to start-up finance.
1.4 The administrative and regulatory framework is very discouraging and not
conducive to self-reliance.
1.5 There is a dearth of business assistance, development and support.
1.6 There is often a lack of soft skills in aspiring entrepreneurs in Kashmir.
1.7 There is an absence of inspiration and visible role models/success stories
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