Surprising Statistics

Key Points

• Research suggests India’s population in 2025 is around 1.46 billion, with Jammu and Kashmir at about 13.76 million.
• It seems likely that Jammu and Kashmir’s youth (15-29 years) is around 3.71 million, based on a 27% share.
• The evidence leans toward the gender ratio in Jammu and Kashmir remaining close to 889 females per 1,000 males, as in 2011.
• The economy of Jammu and Kashmir appears to be growing at 7.06% in 2024-25, with a GSDP of Rs. 2.65 lakh crore.
• Poverty rates have likely decreased to below 4.8% in 2025, from 12.56% in 2016.
• Businesses with potential to earn billions include horticulture, tourism, handicrafts (especially textiles like Pheran), and technology.

Population and Demographics

India’s population is estimated at approximately 1.46 billion in 2025, making it the most populous country globally (Worldometer – India Population 2025). For Jammu and Kashmir, the population is around 13.76 million, reflecting steady growth. The youth population (15-29 years) in Jammu and Kashmir is estimated at about 3.71 million, assuming a 27% share similar to national trends. The gender ratio, based on 2011 data, is around 889 females per 1,000 males, and it seems likely to remain stable.

Economic Status and Poverty

Jammu and Kashmir’s economy is projected to grow at 7.06% in real terms for 2024-25, with a nominal GSDP of Rs. 2.65 lakh crore (about US$ 31.8 billion) (Economic Survey Report 2025). Unemployment has decreased to 6.1% in 2023-24 from 6.7% in 2019-20, indicating economic improvement. Poverty rates have dropped significantly, from 12.56% in 2016 to 4.8% in 2021, with an estimated 655,000 people below the poverty line in 2021, likely lower by 2025.

Business Opportunities

Several sectors in Jammu and Kashmir show potential for billion-dollar earnings, especially horticulture (apple and saffron production), tourism (adventure and cultural), handicrafts (traditional textiles like Pheran), and technology startups. A business focusing on Kashmiri textiles, particularly the Pheran, could scale to billions by combining traditional craftsmanship with modern marketing and e-commerce, tapping into global markets.

Comprehensive Analysis of Population and Economic Potential in Jammu and Kashmir, 2025

This analysis provides a detailed examination of the population statistics and economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir in 2025, with a special focus on youth, age, gender, and economic status, alongside identifying businesses with billion-dollar potential. The analysis integrates recent data and projections to offer a holistic view, particularly highlighting the region’s unique opportunities.

Population and Demographic Trends

India’s population in 2025 is estimated at approximately 1.46 billion, based on projections from sources like Worldometer – India Population 2025. This figure positions India as the most populous country, surpassing China in 2023. For Jammu and Kashmir, the population is projected at around 13.758 million, as reported by CEIC – Population: Jammu & Kashmir, reflecting a steady increase from 12.541 million in 2011, as per the last census.

The demographic structure shows a young population, with India’s median age at 28.8 years, as noted in Worldometer – India Demographics 2025. For Jammu and Kashmir, specific 2025 age distribution data is limited, but projections suggest a similar trend. The youth population, defined as ages 15-29, is estimated at about 3.714 million, assuming a 27% share of the total population, aligning with national trends where youth constituted 27.5% in 2011, as per ResearchGate – Youth Population Share. This estimate is based on the lack of region-specific 2025 data, using national averages as a proxy.

Gender distribution in Jammu and Kashmir, based on 2011 census data, shows a sex ratio of 889 females per 1,000 males, as detailed in Census2011 – Jammu and Kashmir Population. Given the absence of updated 2025 figures, it is reasonable to assume this ratio remains stable, though slight variations may occur due to migration and other factors.

Economic Status and Poverty Analysis

The economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir in 2025 shows promising growth, with the real GSDP projected to grow at 7.06% and nominal GSDP at 11.19% for 2024-25, as per the Economic Survey Report 2025, tabled in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly on March 6, 2025. The economy’s size is estimated at Rs. 2.65 lakh crore (approximately US$ 31.8 billion), up from Rs. 2.30 trillion in 2023-24, with a CAGR of 7.53% between 2018-19 and 2023-24, as noted in IBEF – Jammu and Kashmir Presentation.

Unemployment has seen a marginal decline, from 6.7% in 2019-20 to 6.1% in 2023-24, according to the same survey, indicating improving job opportunities. Poverty rates have also decreased significantly, with multidimensional poverty falling from 12.56% in 2016 to 4.8% in 2021, affecting about 655,000 people, as reported by The Borgen Project – Living Standards in Jammu and Kashmir. Given economic growth trends, it is likely that poverty rates have continued to decline, potentially below 4.8% by 2025, though exact figures are not available.

Key economic sectors driving growth include agriculture, particularly horticulture, contributing 23% to the GDP, as per Greater Kashmir – Horticulture Contribution, and services, with tourism and handicrafts playing significant roles. The per capita income in 2024 was around Rs. 142,000, as per Statista – Jammu and Kashmir Per Capita Income, suggesting a rising standard of living.

Business Opportunities with Billion-Dollar Potential

Jammu and Kashmir’s unique geographical and cultural assets offer several business opportunities with the potential to scale to billion-dollar revenues. The following sectors stand out:

• Horticulture: The region is renowned for apple production, employing 3.5 million people and contributing 10% to GSDP, as per Wikipedia – Jammu and Kashmir Economy. Saffron, with a GI tag, and other fruits like walnuts and cherries, present opportunities for large-scale farming, processing, and export. A business focusing on value-added products, such as organic fruit juices or dried fruits, could tap into global markets, potentially earning billions with scale.
• Tourism: Known as “Paradise on Earth,” Jammu and Kashmir attracts tourists for its scenic beauty, with potential in adventure tourism (trekking, skiing), pilgrimage, and spiritual tourism. Infrastructure development, such as high-end resorts and eco-friendly accommodations, could generate significant revenue, especially with government initiatives to boost tourism, as highlighted in CII – Business Opportunities in Kashmir. A tourism company targeting international markets could scale to billions with effective marketing.
• Handicrafts: Traditional crafts like Pashmina shawls, carpets, and woodwork have global demand. Given the user’s interest in the Pheran, a traditional Kashmiri garment, there is significant potential in the textile industry. A business focusing on producing and marketing Pherans, combining traditional embroidery with modern designs, could scale through e-commerce platforms, targeting both domestic and international markets. Ethical sourcing and branding could position it as a luxury ethnic wear brand, with potential for billion-dollar revenues, as suggested by GrowthRomeo – Business Ideas in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Technology and Startups: With improving connectivity and government support, tech startups in areas like e-commerce, fintech, and agritech have potential. The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) has supported startups, with some winning awards at events like Startup Mahakumbh 2025, as per JKEDI Website. A tech company leveraging local resources could scale globally, especially in sectors like digital tourism or handicraft e-commerce.
• Dairy Farming and Renewable Energy: The dairy sector, valued at Rs. 9,080 crore, and renewable energy, with hydroelectric potential, also offer opportunities for large-scale businesses, as noted in ProjectReportBank – Business Ideas in Kashmir.