Srinagar, Jan 14 (KNO): Jammu & Kashmir has secured the second rank in the category of small states, North-Eastern states, and Union Territories in the Export Preparedness Index 2024, released by NITI Aayog on Tuesday.
The report, a copy of which is in possession of the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), places Jammu & Kashmir second after Uttarakhand among 19 small states, North-Eastern states, and Union Territories.
The overall ranking of Jammu & Kashmir is 14th.
The Export Preparedness Index (EPI) ranks States and Union Territories on the basis of how well they are prepared to drive and enhance their exports.
According to the report, Jammu & Kashmir exported goods worth Rs 1614 crore to different countries in 2024. Bangladesh was the topmost importer, followed by the UAE, Oman, Myanmar, and the Philippines.
“In FY24, the region recorded total exports worth Rs 1,614 crore. The primary export items from J&K include drug formulations and biologicals, readymade garments made of wool, and man-made yarn fabrics, reflecting the region’s growing participation in pharmaceuticals and textile-based trade,” the report states.
According to the report, Jammu and Kashmir’s export portfolio is led by a strong pharmaceutical presence and a rich legacy in textile craftsmanship.
“The top HS code export category from the state is medicaments, including mixed/unmixed products, antibiotics, and vitamin-based medicaments,” the report adds.
Citing data of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the report states that Jammu & Kashmir exported medicaments (Rs 370 crore), followed by shawls, scarves, and mufflers (Rs 258 crore),yarn of synthetic staple fibres (Rs 240 crore), cotton yarn (Rs 76 crore), nucleic acids and salts (Rs 39 crore), lead, unwrought (Rs 29 crore), pharmaceutical goods (Rs 28 crore), razors and razor blades (Rs 28 crore), rice (Rs27 crore), and nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (Rs 26 crore)—(KNO)