SSI Sector

                The Small Scale Sector has emerged as the most vital and dynamic Sector of the State/ Modern Economy. It has helped significantly in strengthening the entrepreneurial base of the country giving its economy the density and taking it out from the rural shortcomings and several limitations, the role played by this Sector in the countries development is too significant to escape notice. This sector has been widely acclaimed for its role in production, employment generation experts etc. The Sector though Small in size produces 40% of country’s  total production and exports 35% of total export of country. As a result of various supportive measures, the SSI sector in the state achieved an impressive  growth . About 42000 units were registered by Directorate of Industries and Commerce till March’ 2001. However, due to various inhabiting factors a large number of units have closed their activities, most of them being untraceable now. However, as per the available data, about 18000 units are still functional providing employment to 80,000 people. An investment of Rs.446 crores  has been made in this Sector in fixed assets. It has to play vital role for Socio-Economic development of the country, The SSI sector is being considered the second largest employment generator next to agriculture.

            District Pulwama is not lagging behind in respect of Industrial development. The growth of Industries is not negligible one. There are number of large/medium industries existing in the district e.g. play Board Industries- Pampore, Joinery Mill-Pampore, Govt. Cement Factory Woyan, Brick and Tile Factory Pampore, Govt. Cement Factory-Khrew. However, the industrial development is largely confined to the Small Scale Industrial units which are generally skill based-oriented like Food based, wood based and Artisan type. The total number of units formally registered with the District Industries Centre can be observed from the table given as under:-

            The following tables indicates the activity-wise break-up of the Industrial units registered during the period 1995-96 to 2000-01

        In order to have an Industrial base in this district , the planner  will rely upon the available infrastructure facilities, since the district has predominantly as Agri. based frame, it would be appropriate to make this industry as a feeding source for all industries like Apple juice, processing of wal-nut kernals for confectionary items, Almond Karnals  for manufacture of Hair oil etc. Besides, fruit preservation units like that of cold –store for better marketing facilities of  the  Fruit growers. Projects for which resources are available locally are more viable.

                        Besides, the district has a very good and rich resources of natural forests and public / private poplar /willow nurseries can be used for development of the economy of the district. For this purpose the forest department authorities should ban illegal felling of these

trees by inhabitants residing near-by areas and should open sale depots for issuing of timber to needy especially to the industrialists engaged in manufacture of Wooden furniture items though the system is functional yet it needs to be more efficient and effective, but at the same time the genuine unit holders should not suffer and care is required to be taken for the smooth running of these wood based units. In addition, our forests are rich in Herbs which can be utilized for the development of pharmaceutical industries. Pulwama district was a part of the district  Anantnag from Administrative point of view and was declared a separate district in the year 1979-80, that is why the district has not strong Industrial base comparable to district Anantanag. The district has with efforts of staff members identified some areas for  different kinds of activities such as Wantrag-Khrew identified for Lime Stone, Cement production,  Stone Quarries and  Stone Dressing units. However, efforts are to be made to develop these units with modern Technical know how.

PRODUCTION

Moreover, the district has peculiar position in the Milk Production as a huge quantity of milk is produced in the district and is exported to Srinagar city. More Dairy farms are also being established in the  district. One at Puchal Pulwama and the another one is at Khrew, Pampore which will not only produce more milk but also employment  opportunities for  unemployed educated youths.

            The district has distinction in the production of Saffron  which is exported outside the state. There are number of  meadows with plenty of water resources increasing thereby the live stock growth in the district. Rearing of sheep and cross marine will not only increase the mutton production but also the wool production which will help in establishment of spinning and garding units in the areas where there is mushroom growth of sheep production. Under these activities a good number of male/ female working force can be  employed in this sector. Weaving units for manufacturing of woolen cloth and leather based garments  can also be established. Moreover, there is ample scope for development o f wood based industries in the district  especially for the manufacture of cricket bats for which raw material is available in the district. Particularly at chursoo,  Kachachkoot and Niana. But the industry could not be developed for want of latest technical know-how and instead of fully finished cricket bats, clefts are still smuggled by some unscrupulous elements which has adversely effected the genuine unit-holders .Efforts are required to check this illegal practice of smuggling of clefts to outside the state . Innovative and latest technical know-how is required for development  of these units.

            Secondly veneer units (Veneer out of poplar wood) need to be developed to full-fledged plywood as the basic raw material is available in the district.

  TRAINING CENTERS

            Presently there are six training centres  under Rural Artisan Programme  three under plan and three under non-Plan. The below table indicates year wise number of trainees / stipend paid to them:-

Under SSI sector various Industrial units have been rendered financial assistance, the details of which given as under:-  

                                            TABLE-I