Vauthuru village in Dooru, once known for its mud houses, narrow lanes, and apple orchards, is now home to the innovative ‘Kashmir Chocolate Factory,’ transforming the local economy and providing new employment opportunities.

The venture was started by Majid Majeed, an engineering graduate who returned to his village with a dream of manufacturing chocolate, rather than relying on traditional agriculture. Majid, who completed his B.Tech in 2018 and several IT diplomas, initially worked in the private sector but wanted to create his own enterprise and generate jobs locally.
Identifying a market gap, he realized that locally produced chocolates were either unavailable or did not meet quality expectations. Starting small, Majid focused on experimentation, research, and repeated trials to develop chocolates that met taste and health standards. He carefully navigated challenges such as limited infrastructure, harsh climatic conditions, and restricted market access, ensuring the venture remained viable even during off-peak seasons.
Word of mouth and consistent quality helped the chocolates reach markets beyond Kashmir, strengthening the business and proving that rural enterprises could compete nationally. Today, the factory employs nine permanent staff, with additional workers during peak demand periods, marking a shift from self-employment to creating local jobs.
Majid’s journey is an inspiring example for Kashmir’s youth, highlighting how innovation and entrepreneurship can overcome persistent unemployment and social pressures. His venture not only diversifies the rural economy of Vauthuru but also demonstrates that even in remote areas, ideas can transform into successful realities—sometimes wrapped in chocolate.