E-commerce to Boost Kashmir’s Agri-Product Exports

Srinagar, Aug 7: In a significant move to tap into the global market, the Jammu and Kashmir government is set to leverage e-commerce for promoting the region’s renowned agricultural products. Known for its high-quality saffron, chilies, garlic, and spices, Kashmir has long been limited to domestic and national markets.

The agriculture department is actively exploring ways to expand the reach of these products internationally through online platforms. “We have plans to bring more and more agri-products on e-commerce platforms. We are assessing which products have more scope in the international market. A detailed strategy will be formulated soon,” said Mohammad Iqbal Chowdhury, Director of Agriculture Department, Kashmir.
Several Kashmiri agricultural products have already made their mark on popular e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Kashmir garlic and Rajmah (kidney beans) are particularly sought after for their superior quality. Additionally, Kashmiri chili powder, Mushk Budji rice, saffron, walnuts, almonds, and lavender oil have gained popularity among online shoppers. Positive reviews for these products highlight their authenticity and purity.
Local traders are also capitalizing on the e-commerce boom. bashir Ahmad, a fruit dealer shared his success story, “Earlier, our garlic was confined to local markets. Now, through online platforms, we are reaching customers across India. This has significantly boosted our income and encouraged us to expand cultivation.”
The government’s e-commerce push is expected to revolutionize the agricultural sector in Kashmir. By eliminating the dependence on traditional markets, farmers can expect better prices and reduced exploitation by middlemen. Furthermore, the initiative is likely to create new job opportunities in logistics, digital marketing, and customer service.
As Kashmir embarks on this digital journey, it is poised to become a major exporter of high-quality agricultural products to the world.