India: Official Figures Show Economic Growth in Jammu, Kashmir Since 2019 

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant economic development since 2019, with growth recorded across agriculture, industry, services, infrastructure, exports, and investment, according to official Indian data.

According to the data, the region’s real Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at constant prices increased from ₹1,13,91,908 lakh in 2019–20, when it recorded a 1 percent decline, to ₹1,43,64,887 lakh in 2024–25, reflecting annual growth of around 7 percent. 

At current prices, GSDP reached approximately ₹2.65 lakh crore in 2024–25. The recovery followed a period of administrative restructuring and security challenges, with authorities citing improved fiscal management, governance reforms, and public investment as contributing factors. 

The figures also show that the agriculture sector, which contracted by 6 percent in 2019–20 with output valued at ₹8,19,024 lakh (about $9.8 billion), grew by around 5 percent in 2024–25, reaching ₹10,85,593 lakh (about $13 billion). 

Authorities attribute the recovery to expanded irrigation, improved seed quality, horticultural development, saffron revival initiatives, organic farming promotion, and strengthened post-harvest and cold-chain infrastructure. 

Transport and logistics improvements have also facilitated better market access for fruit growers and farmers. The industrial sector also registered growth. Industrial output rose from ₹28,20,320 lakh, which reflected a 2 percent decline in 2019–20, to ₹35,92,494 lakh in 2024–25, marking 9 percent growth. 

The introduction of the Industrial Policy 2021–30 and the New Central Sector Scheme is cited in official data as supporting investment and entrepreneurship through capital subsidies, interest subventions, land incentives, and tax reimbursements. Between 2019 and December 2024, investment proposals worth more than ₹1.63 lakh crore were received, according to official figures. 

Of this, nearly ₹9,600 crore has materialised through 1,984 operational units, generating employment for more than 63,000 people. More than 650 startup registrations have also been recorded, reflecting the emergence of a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Officials also note expansion in food processing, pharmaceuticals, handicrafts, renewable energy equipment, and MSMEs. 

The services sector, which represents the largest share of the regional economy, increased from ₹61,50,199 lakh in 2019–20 to ₹72,25,391 lakh in 2024–25, growing at 5.1 percent. Tourism has been a key contributor, with the region recording 2.11 crore tourist arrivals in 2023, the highest ever reported by authorities. 

Officials also point to expanded winter tourism facilities, eco-tourism circuits, heritage routes, and the hosting of international events such as the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar as supporting the sector’s revival. 

The official Indian data highlight major infrastructure expansion since 2019, including the completion of the Chenab Railway Bridge, construction of the Zojila and Z-Morh tunnels, highway upgrades including NH-44 expansion, airport modernisation in Srinagar, Jammu, and Leh, and the development of hydropower projects such as Ratle, Kishanganga, and Pakal Dul. Digital infrastructure has also expanded through BharatNet connectivity, State Wide Area Networks, Smart City initiatives in Jammu and Srinagar, and the integration of more than 1,100 public services into online platforms. 

Export performance improved from USD 188 million in 2019–20 to more than USD 200 million in 2024–25, with horticulture, handicrafts, handlooms, and processed foods forming the main export categories. 

Export facilitation centres, quality certification, and branding initiatives have been cited as supporting competitiveness. Official figures also show foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows rising from USD 0.22 million between 2019 and 2021 to USD 0.49 million by September 2025 in the 2024–25 trajectory. 

Social sector indicators have also strengthened, with expanded health coverage under Ayushman Bharat, housing construction under PMAY, drinking water access reaching a large majority of households, more than 30,000 government jobs provided, and skill development initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity contributing to human capital development, according to official data. 

Digital banking expansion and e-governance reforms have also been highlighted. Based on official figures, the period since 2019 reflects sustained growth across key sectors, supported by infrastructure development, policy reforms, investment expansion, and governance restructuring in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials project that this growth momentum will continue in the coming years, driven by industrial diversification, energy development, tourism expansion, and emerging opportunities, including the development of lithium reserves.