"Have asked officials to identify land for solar power rooftop unit in Lassipora; Time has come to take Kashmiri handicrafts and horticulture global; We’re working to make green-certified exports from Kashmir a reality; India has never had a conflict with any religion or faith; Shyama Prasad Mukherjee sacrificed for J&K’s complete integration"
Srinagar, July 6 (KNS): Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Textiles, Piyush Goyal on Sunday said that Jammu and Kashmir will soon get a dedicated design and packaging hub and a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence to boost the industrial and agricultural sectors.
He said the initiatives are part of the Government of India’s broader vision to integrate J&K into national and global markets through value addition and sustainable development models.
Goyal was speaking at the Federation of Trade and Industry of India (FTII) Traders Conclave 2025, held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, where he interacted with leading industry figures, traders, and representatives from various business sectors.
Goyal said efforts are underway to establish a packaging hub equipped with modern technologies to enhance the marketability of J&K’s local products, including handicrafts, horticulture produce, and handlooms.
He said he has already directed officials to identify suitable land so that the project can start at the earliest.
“We are working to launch a design and packaging centre for Jammu and Kashmir, and I have asked my team to locate a feasible site to begin work quickly. This facility will help upgrade our local products for pan-India and international markets.”
Goyal further said a Centre of Excellence is also being planned in J&K to promote innovation, start-ups, research and development across the industrial ecosystem. “We are exploring a public-private partnership model to make this Centre of Excellence a hub of new technologies, product research, packaging design, and food processing solutions,” he said.
Goyal said the centre would serve the needs of entrepreneurs, SMEs, and farmers by providing training, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge facilities. “Our youth must be empowered to innovate, launch start-ups, and develop indigenous solutions that can take Kashmiri products to the global market,” he added.
Goyal also said that the Ministry is exploring the possibility of solar rooftop installations at the Industrial Estate in Lassipora, Pulwama, which has 10 lakh square feet of built-up space. He said the generated power can be used for certified green product manufacturing, increasing the export value of items produced in Kashmir.
He added that he has asked NTPC and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to explore this potential in collaboration with local stakeholders. “If we use green energy for production, our exports can get premium value as certified eco-friendly products,” he said.
Speaking on the protection of local apple growers, Goyal expressed concern over the import of apples at cheaper rates. He said that without proper protection, the local horticulture industry could suffer due to foreign competition.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
“We are exploring a mechanism where apple imports are regulated to ensure fair pricing. We must balance farmer income with affordability for consumers. I will speak with the Agriculture Minister to devise an effective policy,” Goyal added.
He said there is a need to maintain a minimum import price of Rs 75 on imported apples with a 50% duty to ensure Kashmiri apples remain competitive. “We import apples worth Rs 140 crore. But our own growers should not suffer. This must be a win-win for farmers and consumers,” he added.
He said he has also received suggestions from stakeholders regarding GST on handicrafts and committed to taking those up with the Finance Ministry. “We will look into the concerns about GST on handmade products, and how small artisans can benefit from policy relief,” Goyal added.
The Union Minister said he has directed Commerce Department officials to assist in preparing a proposal on GST-related issues in the handicrafts sector. He added that Kashmir’s artisans must receive full support to showcase their talent and heritage.
Speaking on his long association with Kashmir, Goyal shared a personal memory of visiting Srinagar as a young boy in 1971-72. “I remember waking up early in the morning on a houseboat to see the first rays of sunlight over Dal Lake. It’s a memory etched in my mind forever,” he said.
“Ever since I returned to Kashmir, I have felt a sense of joy and connection with the people here.”
Speaking about India’s legacy of religious harmony and how the country has given refuge to spiritual leaders from across the world, Goyal said that India has never had a conflict with any religion. "Be it the Parsi community or the Dalai Lama, everyone has found a place in India’s heart."
Goyal added that he prays for the long life and well-being of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and praised his contributions to global peace and interfaith harmony.
Paying homage to Syama Prasad Mukherjee on his birth anniversary, Goyal said that he resigned from Nehru’s cabinet and laid the foundation for today’s Bharatiya Janata Party.
Goyal said Mukherjee’s sacrifice led to the full integration of J&K with India and his legacy lives on through the democratic institutions now functioning in the region.
Goyal also said he takes pride in gifting Pashmina shawls from Kashmir to foreign dignitaries. “Wherever I go, I showcase Kashmir’s pride, our Pashmina and present it with the GI tag certificate. It is a testament to our heritage,” he said.
He added that global leaders deeply admire Kashmir’s craftsmanship. “There is not a single guest who does not appreciate the elegance of these shawls. It brings Kashmir closer to the world,” he added.(KNS)