Ladakh takes steps to boost Pashmina business of Changpas

Srinagar: Ladakh lieutenant governor Vinai Kumar Saxena approved two decisions aimed at strengthening the Union Territory's globally renowned Pashmina industry and improving the livelihoods of indigenous Changpa pastoral communities.

At the first meeting of the newly constituted Ladakh Pashmina Development Board, he gave the go-ahead to the Livestock Development Incentive Programme, which entails a top-up incentive of 25% on the total Pashmina procurement value to herders for enhancing production of the prized natural fibre derived from the mountain goats.

The LG also approved a ₹8 crore revolving fund for the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society Ltd for procurement of raw Pashmina from nomadic herders and upfront payments to them for their produce.


The twin initiatives seek to promote sustainable livestock development, increase the population of Pashmina goats, strengthen the cooperative procurement system, improve the quality and quantity of Ladakh Pashmina, ensure financial benefits to nomadic herders and eliminate distress sales, Saxena said.