By Wasim Khawaja

Kashmir’s stunning landscapes and rich culture are well-known worldwide, but the region’s economic potential has often been overshadowed by its reliance on tourism. While tourism has played a vital role in the local economy, it’s time to think bigger.

Kashmir has far more to offer. The region can diversify its economy by tapping into its natural resources, agricultural wealth, skilled labor, and rich cultural heritage. There’s an opportunity for transformation to build a sustainable future beyond the tourist season.

A key starting point is the region’s high-value agriculture. Kashmir’s saffron, often regarded as the best in the world, could be marketed globally. With its unique quality and rich history, it could be expanded in cultivation, branded as a luxury product, and marketed through Geographical Indication (GI) tagging. This would give Kashmir a competitive edge in the global market.

Alongside saffron, Kashmir’s apples, walnuts, cherries, and almonds are already famous, but these crops could be processed and packaged for export in modern facilities equipped with cold chains. This would allow Kashmir’s agricultural sector to provide a steady, year-round income, both locally and globally.

Beyond these staple crops, Kashmir’s diverse landscape makes it a natural hub for medicinal and aromatic plants such as lavender, rosemary, and chamomile. These herbs could be developed into high-value products like essential oils and nutraceuticals.

In addition, organic and hydroponic farming could be introduced, producing premium vegetables and berries for the luxury market. The introduction of seed banks and agro-research centers would protect indigenous varieties, while fostering the development of modern hybrids that can withstand global challenges, allowing Kashmir to play a central role in sustainable agriculture.

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