Srinagar, April 28 -- Relying on apples or tourists is risky. A sudden frost or a security alert can wipe out a season's earnings. By adding other sources, such as mutual funds or dividend-paying shares, families can cushion themselves against financial shocks.

Passive income means money that keeps coming in without clocking extra hours. For Kashmiris, starting small can yield big returns. Mutual funds, regulated by SEBI, mix stocks, bonds, and gold, offer balanced returns throughout market ups and downs. REITs, or Real Estate Investment Trusts, allow people to invest in property without owning real estate, offering rental dividends. Similarly, investing in dividend stocks, from companies listed on the NSE and BSE, can become a steady dr...