Kishtwar : To bolster the export of locally produced goods and stimulate economic growth in Kishtwar District, a pivotal meeting of the District Export Promotion Committee was convened on Friday under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC), Dr. Devansh Yadav.
The meeting included the General Manager of District Industries Centre (DIC), Mohd Ashraf; LDM, Pankaj Badani; Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO), Mohammad Amjad Malik; Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO), Sajjad Mustafa; Saffron Development Officer, Amarjeet Sen, representatives from the Employment Department, as well as delegates from Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) and others.
The Deputy Commissioner led a comprehensive review of the initiatives undertaken to bolster exports of various products originating from the District. A profound discussion ensued, focusing on the finalization of the District Export Action Plan.
The DC conducted a thorough assessment of export activities spanning different sectors within the District. He was apprised of a diverse range of products native to Kishtwar that enjoy demand in both national and international markets, potentially positioning Kishtwar as an Export Hub within the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) scheme.
Emphasizing the need to provide crucial support to the agriculture and allied sectors, Dr. Devansh Yadav underscored the importance of aiding manufacturers and exporters throughout the entire production-to-export process.
Significantly, the meeting included an in-depth deliberation on utilising soft, hard and technological interventions to produce the products with high export potential.
The Lead District Manager, offered insights into financial mechanisms and support systems that could be leveraged to facilitate export-oriented ventures within the district, providing essential financial expertise.
During the meeting, it was underscored that potential collaborations and financial assistance opportunities available through agriculture and allied sectors departments can significantly bolster export-oriented projects in the district.
Subsequently, the Committee finalized Saffron to be included in the District Export Action Plan for Export.
The DC stressed the need for institutionalizing an export system within Kishtwar District. He urged officers to engage with local entrepreneurs and exporters of Saffron to gather feedback and incorporate relevant interventions into the District Export Action Plan, particularly in line with the ODOP initiative.
The chair emphasized the promotion and enhancement of walnut and Kala Zira production, with a focus on creating value-added products.
This meeting marks a significant step forward in harnessing Kishtwar’s export potential and fortifying its position in the global market, ultimately contributing to the growth and prosperity of the region.
