Ladakh's Pashmina to be brought on international map; Officials asked to expedite project

For the development of Pashmina, and to list challenges and their potential solutions, LG Mathur today held a meeting at Raj Niwas. Advisor Umang Narula, Secretary Industries Saugat Biswas, Secretary Sheep and Animal Husbandry Ravinder Kumar, Director Industries Moses Kunzang and officials from District Industries Centre attended the meeting. LG Mathur stated that for the expansion of the Pashmina industry, it is foremost important to develop a sustainable plan of action for improving the living standards of the nomads of Changthang with boosted medical assistance, education for the children, electricity, heating, internet, etc. LG Mathur directed the concerned department to seek the assistance of an expert organization to conduct a thorough study and to develop a plan of action for the development of the nomads of Changthang. Stating that Pashmina must be treated as a luxury product right from the first stage of production, i.e sheering, LG Mathur stated that the department must invest in the best machinery and equipment to enhance output and ensure its quality. The department was instructed to invest in imparting large scale training in spinning, weaving and organic dyeing with precedence being given to the people of Changthang so that it can become a source of income for them. Emphasizing that a 100 % organic approach must be achieved in the entire production process, with USPs of being hand-spun, handwoven and organically dyed, LG Mathur stated that all Pashmina products produced in Ladakh must carry a GI tag, a commercial brand of Ladakh and simultaneously a producer tag to authenticate its quality. Further, for the welfare of the livestock, LG Mathur suggested that a nutrition policy for the feed for the goats must be put in place, while also formalizing a breeding policy for conservation and betterment of Ladakh’s Pashmina goats. An ICAR headed committee may be set up to achieve this, LG Mathur suggested. LG Mathur advised all the concerned departments to work with the vision to mark identity for Ladakh’s Pashmina in the international market and thus bring benefits to the people of Changthang.