Jammu & Kashmir Export Boom in 2025: Handicrafts, Pharma and Agriculture Drive Record Growth
By Home Academy | for Competitive Exams & Current Affairs
In early 2025, the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) emerged as one of India’s most dynamic export-performing regions, registering a remarkable surge in outbound trade. The growth was primarily led by the handicraft sector, which recorded an extraordinary 243 per cent increase in exports during the first quarter of FY 2025–26 (April–June 2025). This export momentum reflects not only the revival of traditional industries but also the strengthening of J&K’s industrial, pharmaceutical, and agricultural base.
The handicraft sector stood at the heart of this export success. During Q1 of FY 2025–26, handicraft exports reached ₹309.62 crore, a sharp jump from ₹126.90 crore recorded in the corresponding quarter of FY 2024–25. This surge highlights renewed global demand for J&K’s traditional products, particularly Pashmina shawls, handmade carpets, and intricate wood carvings. The momentum continued into the second quarter, taking total handicraft exports for the first half of the financial year (April–September 2025) to ₹410 crore, reinforcing the sector’s role as a backbone of the region’s export economy.
Alongside handicrafts, pharmaceutical exports emerged as a major contributor to J&K’s trade basket. Medicaments and pharmaceutical products accounted for exports worth approximately ₹370 crore, reflecting the steady expansion of the region’s pharma manufacturing ecosystem. This growth is closely linked to rising industrial investments and the operationalisation of over 2,227 industrial units in recent years, positioning J&K as a growing hub for value-added manufacturing.
Textiles also played a significant role in boosting export figures. Exports of shawls, scarves, and mufflers touched ₹258 crore, underlining the continued global appeal of Kashmir’s textile craftsmanship. Additionally, synthetic staple fibre yarn exports reached ₹240 crore, while cotton yarn exports stood at ₹76 crore, indicating diversification beyond traditional handloom products into broader textile manufacturing.
The agricultural sector further strengthened J&K’s export performance, with walnuts and almonds contributing significantly to overseas shipments. Supported by improvements in horticulture productivity and post-harvest infrastructure, the region has been able to maintain consistent demand for its high-quality dry fruits in international markets.
Cumulatively, J&K’s total exports in FY 2024–25, up to February 2025, reached ₹1,722 crore, equivalent to approximately $200.94 million. This strong performance earned the Union Territory the second rank among small states and UTs in the Export Preparedness Index, as reported by Kashmir Life, reflecting improvements in policy support, infrastructure, and export facilitation mechanisms.
From a broader economic perspective, Jammu & Kashmir’s economy is projected to grow at 5.82 per cent in 2025–26. Industrial growth, tourism revival, and infrastructure expansion are key drivers of this outlook. Tourism remained a major economic pillar, with around 1.78 crore tourist visits recorded, generating employment and boosting demand for local products. The horticulture sector also witnessed higher fruit output, supporting both domestic supply and export potential.
Infrastructure development has further strengthened J&K’s export ecosystem. Power generation capacity is expected to double by 2028, reducing energy constraints for industries, while sustained investments in road, rail, and digital connectivity are improving access to national and global markets.
In conclusion, the export surge witnessed by Jammu & Kashmir in early 2025 marks a structural shift in the region’s economy. The exceptional growth of handicrafts, combined with strong performances in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agriculture, underscores J&K’s rising integration with global value chains. For competitive exams and economic analysis, this trend highlights how targeted policy support, infrastructure development, and revival of traditional sectors can collectively transform regional export performance.
MCQ QUESTION🙋
In Q1 of FY 2025–26, Jammu & Kashmir’s handicraft exports increased by what percentage compared to Q1 of FY 2024–25?
A. 143%
B. 200%
C. 243%
D. 300%
Correct Answer: CWhat was the value of Jammu & Kashmir’s handicraft exports in Q1 (April–June) 2025–26?
A. ₹126.90 crore
B. ₹258 crore
C. ₹309.62 crore
D. ₹410 crore
Correct Answer: CThe total value of handicraft exports from Jammu & Kashmir during the first half of FY 2025–26 (April–September 2025) was approximately:
A. ₹309.62 crore
B. ₹370 crore
C. ₹410 crore
D. ₹1,722 crore
Correct Answer: CWhich export category from Jammu & Kashmir recorded exports worth about ₹370 crore in FY 2025–26?
A. Shawls and scarves
B. Medicaments and pharmaceuticals
C. Cotton yarn
D. Wood carvings
Correct Answer: BShawls, scarves, and mufflers exported from Jammu & Kashmir in FY 2025–26 were valued at approximately:
A. ₹76 crore
B. ₹126.90 crore
C. ₹240 crore
D. ₹258 crore
Correct Answer: DWhich textile product from Jammu & Kashmir recorded exports of around ₹240 crore?
A. Cotton yarn
B. Silk fabric
C. Yarn of synthetic staple fibres
D. Woollen blankets
Correct Answer: CThe total exports of Jammu & Kashmir up to February 2025 in FY 2024–25 amounted to nearly:
A. ₹1,100 crore
B. ₹1,500 crore
C. ₹1,722 crore
D. ₹2,100 crore
Correct Answer: CJammu & Kashmir secured which rank among small states/UTs in the Export Preparedness Index?
A. First
B. Second
C. Third
D. Fourth
Correct Answer: BWhich of the following agricultural products significantly contributed to Jammu & Kashmir’s exports in 2025?
A. Rice and wheat
B. Tea and coffee
C. Walnuts and almonds
D. Sugarcane and cotton
Correct Answer: CThe projected economic growth rate of Jammu & Kashmir for 2025–26 is approximately:
A. 4.25%
B. 5.00%
C. 5.82%
D. 6.50%
Correct Answer: C