[9] The geologist Frederic Drew stated that Shopian derived its name from a distortion of word shah-payan, i.e. “royal stay”.

Shopian, located in the southern part of Jammu & Kashmir, has an economy predominantly based on agriculture, with apple cultivation as its mainstay.

The district has seen a remarkable increase in apple production, with a 20% surge reported in recent years, contributing significantly to both the regional and national fruit markets.

The project is designed to be implemented over four years, with substantial funding from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers WelfareIn addition to apples, the district's economy also benefits from walnut cultivation and other horticultural activities.

Other sectors like sheep rearing, small-scale industries, and government schemes like the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) also contribute to the local economy.

Shopian’s strategic location along the historic Mughal Road has also made it a commercial hub for trade, linking it with the rest of Kashmir and northern India.

However, the district's economic potential continues to face challenges related to infrastructure, political instability, and climatic conditions, which periodically affect productivity and livelihoods.