Anantnag is the big hub of the economy of the Kashmir Valley, and it has remained a tourist destination for centuries. The valley has attracted travellers from around theworld for a long time and they travelled to the valley and Anantnag to take view of its breath taking beauty.
In 2010 Anantnag was declared as major City of Export excellence with a total GDP of 3.7 billion $. The high GDPof Anantnag is due to the centralised position and presence of high concentration of foreign labours and troops in it. anantnag has a strategic position lying on the main North South Corridor Road and with highest number of tourist destinations it an economic hub of Kashmir Valley. the city suffered heavily during war times of 1990's most roads, bridges, government institutions were reduced to ash . but in recent times it has made a very fast recovery. It has been listed among 100 fastest economically developing cities. The presence of a cheap large foreign labour force has helped it to recover rapidly in post war times
The main area of Anantnag is among the most populous part of the Kashmir valley, and crops like wheat and rice are cultivated for local consumption. Orchards produce a number of fruits, particularly apples. Another significant segment of the economy include handicrafts, weaving of woolen shawls and dress materials, and woodcarving . Anantnag and the surrounding areas serve as collecting points from where fruits and handicraft products are taken to several parts of the Indian subcontinent
