Union Minister Backs Solar Power Project in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Sunday lent his support to the proposal for establishing a solar power project at the Lassipora Industrial Estate, calling it a forward-looking step toward green-certified production and sustainable energy adoption in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at the Traders’ Conclave – 2025 held at SKICC in Srinagar, the Minister lauded the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and assured business leaders of continued central government support, saying, “If you have an idea, we’ll fund it. If you have a plan, we’ll partner with you. If you have the courage, we will support you.”

The event, organised by the Federation of Trade and Industry of India (FTII), brought together policymakers, traders, and industrialists to discuss the roadmap for a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Present on the occasion were Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma and Sunil Singhi, Chairman of the National Traders Welfare Board, along with several prominent trade representatives.

Prior to the conclave, Goyal engaged with members of the MSME Development Forum and the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry to understand ground-level concerns. Discussions ranged from GST relief on handicrafts to the need for infrastructure in packaging and R&D, particularly for horticulture and handloom sectors.

Responding to concerns about clean energy, Goyal welcomed the proposal for a solar facility in Lassipora, noting its potential to bolster the green credentials of local manufacturing. The initiative is expected to not only lower the carbon footprint of industrial production but also attract eco-conscious investors and buyers.

He further assured support for setting up a Centre of Excellence for Startups and Innovation through a public-private partnership model and encouraged collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to promote agri-entrepreneurship. A regional packaging centre, he said, would be fast-tracked in consultation with the Indian Institute of Packaging.

Turning attention to apple growers, the Minister acknowledged the importance of market equilibrium and assured the community that their concerns would be addressed through dialogue with stakeholders in New Delhi.

Speaking on the broader theme of the conclave, Goyal emphasised the “Vocal for Local” initiative as central to India’s global ascent. “From the local shopkeeper to global exporters, every hand is shaping a new India,” he said. He highlighted the international appeal of Kashmiri GI-tagged products like Pashmina, noting how one such shawl was recently gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the President of Ghana as a symbol of India’s soft power.

Condemning the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Goyal commended the resilience and unity displayed by the people of Kashmir. “The world is watching. Kashmiris have shown that peace and progress go hand in hand,” he said.

He also applauded the recent start of the Vande Bharat Express in the region, and the completion of vital connectivity infrastructure such as the USBRL rail corridor and the Chenab and Anji bridges. These, he said, would be game-changers for trade, tourism, and employment.

Encouraging more events like the Traders’ Conclave, Goyal said such platforms were crucial to showcasing Kashmir’s evolving economic landscape. He also highlighted the role of homestays in tourism, calling them a source of both employment and cultural exchange.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to enabling new exporters and expanding India’s presence in global markets, the Minister concluded, “India’s honesty, skill, and quality have made us a reliable global partner. Traders of Jammu and Kashmir must carry this legacy forward.”

The conclave ended with a collective pledge by attendees to support ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, underlining a renewed commitment to sustainable development, grassroots innovation, and inclusive economic growth.