CM Omar Abdullah Urges Value Addition in Agriculture, Highlights J&K’s Investment and Tourism Potential
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday emphasized the need for greater value addition in Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture sector, calling it a key driver for unlocking the region’s vast business and industrial potential.
Addressing the National Executive Committee Meeting of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said the state’s agriculture output largely leaves in raw form, with limited local processing. “This opens significant opportunities for industrial growth on both the Jammu and Kashmir sides,” he noted.
The meeting was attended by FICCI President Harsh Vardhan Agarwal, Senior Vice President Anant Goenka, Director General Jyoti Vij, Past President Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairman FICCI J&K Council Mushtaq A. Burza, and members of the National Executive Council.
Citing the dairy sector as an example, the Chief Minister said only 4–5 percent of J&K’s dairy output is processed within the Union Territory, urging industry leaders to invest in agro-processing and allied sectors.
Referring to recent challenges, including natural calamities and the setback to tourism following the Pahalgam incident, Omar Abdullah said the administration remains focused on recovery and growth. “This is not a story of pessimism but of hope. We are working with all stakeholders to put the economy back on track,” he asserted.
He said the government is engaging with domestic and international tourism partners to revive the sector, reaffirming that “Jammu and Kashmir has always been the country’s premier destination, and we are determined to sustain that legacy.”
Outlining the government’s priorities, the Chief Minister said efforts are underway to promote sustainable industrial growth in sectors such as horticulture, handicrafts, electronics, pharmaceuticals, packaging, and cement. He also highlighted key infrastructure projects—including the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway and the four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway—that will boost logistics and investment prospects.
Reiterating his government’s focus on improving the ease of doing business, the Chief Minister invited FICCI’s suggestions on policy reforms to make J&K more investor-friendly. “We are eager to adopt best practices from across the country, and reforms will be guided by industry feedback,” he said.
Omar Abdullah also called upon the corporate sector to extend support through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in youth-oriented areas such as sports, libraries, and skill development. He urged companies to partner with the government in upgrading Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and skill centres to build an employable workforce.
Reaffirming the strong partnership between Jammu and Kashmir and FICCI, the Chief Minister expressed optimism that renewed collaboration would translate into tangible economic growth. “This is a long-standing relationship, and today’s meeting marks another step towards strengthening cooperation and creating new opportunities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
