Jammu, March 30, 2025 – NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian Institute of Management Jammu, organised a significant State Workshop titled “Promoting Innovation, Investment, and Industry in the MSME Sector” at IIM Jammu’s Jagti Campus. Held on March 26, 2025, as part of NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission, the event spotlighted three pivotal sectors of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy: Tourism, Food Processing, and Textiles, aiming to foster innovation, attract investment, and strengthen the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) landscape in the Union Territory.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and academicians, to deliberate on strategies for sustainable growth. A key highlight was the brainstorming session on promoting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, which yielded valuable insights from participants. Discussions emphasized diversifying tourism offerings, enhancing infrastructure, and leveraging private-sector collaboration to position the region as a global tourist destination. The session underscored the critical role of peace and stability as prerequisites for a thriving tourism sector, aligning with broader economic goals.
In the textiles segment, stakeholders explored ways to modernize infrastructure, revive traditional craftsmanship like handlooms, and improve market linkages to boost global recognition of Jammu and Kashmir’s products. The food processing discussions focused on tapping into the region’s agricultural richness, with calls for investment in cold chain infrastructure, value addition to local produce, and support for agro-based startups to enhance rural livelihoods.
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, who inaugurated the event, emphasized the transformative potential of MSMEs in driving job creation and economic resilience. “Jammu and Kashmir has shown remarkable progress, and this workshop is a step toward creating a growth-oriented environment for our industries,” he stated. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting MSMEs, while NITI Aayog Senior Advisor Anurag Goyal highlighted the importance of cooperative federalism and data-driven policies for national growth.
The event saw active participation from senior officials across ministries, including Agriculture, Commerce, Textiles, Food Processing, and Tourism, alongside state-level representatives and industry associations. IIM Jammu Director Prof. B.S. Sahay reiterated the institute’s dedication to fostering a sustainable economic ecosystem through such initiatives.
Held under the aegis of NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission, the workshop reflects a strategic push to empower Jammu and Kashmir’s MSME sector, aligning with national goals of innovation and industrial development. With its focus on tourism, food processing, and textiles, the initiative aims to unlock new opportunities, bolster investment, and cement the region’s position as an entrepreneurial hub.