Ladakh CS Kundra reviews pashmina sector, calls for stronger value chain and market access
Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired a review meeting on the development and promotion of Ladakh’s pashmina sector, with detailed deliberations on strengthening the entire value chain, from pastureland development and raw material availability to spinning, weaving, processing, GI tagging, branding, market access and support to local entrepreneurs.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Cooperative Department, Sheep Husbandry Department, SKUAST, Industries Department, SIDCO, entrepreneurs, weavers and other concerned stakeholders to assess the existing challenges and explore measures for strengthening the sector in a coordinated and sustainable manner.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the status of raw material procurement and payment mechanisms and stressed the need for clear timelines and timely settlement of payments.
He also discussed upcoming opportunities for promoting Ladakh pashmina in national markets, including participation in proposed events and exhibitions in Delhi, fashion and designer showcases, and dedicated stalls for Ladakh-based entrepreneurs. He emphasised that such platforms should be utilised not only for sales but also for market exposure, networking and establishing long-term business linkages.
Reviewing GI tagging, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to take up the process entrepreneur-wise and ensure close coordination with primary societies and other stakeholders. He directed that an awareness-cum-training camp for entrepreneurs be organised at the earliest, with necessary information shared in advance so that participants are adequately prepared.
Kundra also visited the Pashmina Dehairing Plant at the Industrial Area, Leh, to inspect the ongoing dehairing processes and review the functioning of the facility.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary inspected various sections of the plant and took a first-hand appraisal of the different stages involved in the pashmina dehairing process. He interacted with the concerned officers and officials and reviewed the arrangements in place for the smooth and efficient functioning of the plant.
The Chief Secretary directed the concerned officers to ensure that the dehairing process is carried out in a clean, hygienic and systematic manner, maintaining proper standards throughout the processing chain. He stressed the need for regular monitoring and effective management of the facility to ensure quality output and improve the overall efficiency of the dehairing process.
It was underscored that the Pashmina storage should be kept in a dust free environment and also that it should be sorted and graded based on the quality of wool. The progress made so far this year in improvement of processes and yield was appreciated.
Highlighting the importance of the pashmina sector to the local economy and the livelihoods of people in Changthang and other parts of Ladakh, the Chief Secretary stated that pashmina is a backbone of Ladakh’s economy.
The review meeting also held extensive discussions on pastureland development and measures to strengthen fodder availability for nomadic communities.
The Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to identify weavers and spinning units requiring support and explore deployment of suitable spinning equipment along with technical training.