Srinagar, March 1, 2023: With a vision to promote Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of‘ Vocal for Local’ with an emphasis on ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Jammu Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization, under the aegis of the Department of Commerce & Industry of the Government of J&K, in association with the Trade Promotion Council of India, organized an international buyer-seller meet for local agricultural& food processing sector of J&K.
BSM contributed immensely towards forming new strategic partnerships and assistance in developing market linkages, business leads and networking forboosting trade and exports of J&K Agri & food Processing products.
Addressing the forum Chief Secretary Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta addressed the occasion by highlighting the improved scenario of law-and-order and thriving business ecosystem within J&K. Chief Secretary said that J&K is as– peaceful, digitally connected, with improving mobility infrastructure resulting in reducing challenges of logistics issues faced by our local exporters including rail connectivity to Srinagar by next year. J&K is focusing on improving ease of doing business and expecting to be placed within top 5 in new ranking to be released by DPIIT. He Calls for more such BSMs in coming financial year for promotion of trade and investment.
Shri Prashant Goyal, Principal Secretary to the Government, Department of Industries and Commerce in his special address to the buyers and sellers present in the event highlighted the contribution of Agriculture in the development of the economy of J&K. wherein around 70% of the population residing in rural areas directly or indirectly dependent upon this sector for their livelihood and employability.
He also highlighted the progressive, competitive & investment friendly policies of the Union Territory of J&K. He highlighted that the NCSS package announced by central government is one of the best financial incentive packages offered by any State/ UT in India with a high return on investment and less input cost.In Addition to the incentives offered by the New Central Sector Scheme, the investor can avail incentives offered by industrial policy & the other Sectoral policies notified by the government.
Divisional Commissioner Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri complimented the efforts of JKTPO for the BSM and highlighted the importance of conducting more such events in near future. He also highlighted the importance of field level investments in the agriculture sector which will enhance the value of the local Agri products from J&K through processing. He also recommended for feedback from both buyers and sellers so that further improvements can be done in the industrial ecosystem of J&K.
Earlier, Khalid Jahangir, Managing Director gave opening remarks and welcomed the Buyers and sellers on the occasion. MD JKTPO said that J&K’s food and agro products are famous across the world and emphasized the buyers to procure these products from authentic and genuine sellers of J&K. J&K due to its diverse agro climatic conditions is blessed with range of niche products.
The forum was briefed about USPs of products being displayed viz. Honey , Saffron, Basmati Rice, Walnut, Fresh fruits, processed food like juices ,jams, bakery etc .
Also, JKTPO is participating and organizing in various trade fairs, exhibitions and Buyer Seller meet and provides marketing and business opportunities to the sellers .
Mr. Sandeep Das, Deputy Director General, TPCI gave vote of thanks for the event. In his closing remarks, he said that JKTPO and other relevant departments from J&K should work on building supplying capacity of the sellers to meet the needs of buyers and get bulk orders in near future. He also suggested that sellers should work on improving quality and packaging as per the standards and parameter set by different countries.
More than 500 leads were generated during the event which will are expected to be convert in potential orders. Above 120 sellers including Food processing units, entrepreneurs, FPOs from Jammu & Kashmir participated in the event.
Mrs. Saloni Rai, Director Industries and Commerce, Kashmir, Mr Abdul Aziz Rather, Additional Secretary to Government, I&C department, Joint Director , Horticulture Kashmir; Deputy Director , Horticulture marketing planning Department and other officers graced the occasion
