Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday called for transforming Ladakh into a global hub for Pashmina production, processing and marketing, stressing that the economic benefits of the region’s prized natural fibre must reach local herders, artisans and entrepreneurs.
“Our vision is clear: Pashmina must be produced in Ladakh, processed in Ladakh, branded as Ladakh Pashmina, and taken to the world from Ladakh,” Saxena said while inaugurating the two-day Ladakh Pashmina Conclave and Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet in Leh.
The conclave brought together nomadic Pashmina herders, artisans, entrepreneurs, textile manufacturers, designers and buyers, along with international delegates from Mongolia, Japan and Thailand, to explore new business opportunities and strengthen market linkages.
On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Union Ministry of Textiles and the Department of Industries and Commerce, Ladakh, to promote and develop the region’s Pashmina sector.
The Lieutenant Governor also released a commemorative postal stamp on GI-tagged Ladakh Pashmina, highlighting the unique identity, traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage associated with the fibre.
Saxena said the administration was working to increase Ladakh’s Pashmina goat population from approximately two lakh to four lakh within the next three years.
He emphasised scientific breeding, improved shearing and combing practices, cleaner fibre collection and sustainable pasture management to improve both the quality and quantity of Pashmina production.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that recognition of Ladakh Pashmina must translate into tangible economic gains for Changpa herders, artisans, women-led self-help groups and young entrepreneurs.
He said greater emphasis on local processing, value addition and branding would help ensure that the benefits of the Pashmina industry remain within Ladakh rather than being lost through multiple intermediaries.
The Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet, a key component of the conclave, aims to connect local producers directly with buyers, textile manufacturers and designers, enabling them to understand market requirements, improve product quality and explore commercial partnerships.
Highlighting opportunities for international cooperation, Saxena invited Mongolian delegates to facilitate exchanges of herders, technicians and researchers between Changthang and the Mongolian steppe to share knowledge on traditional pastoral practices.
He also urged Japanese partners to collaborate with Ladakh in precision spinning, finishing, quality certification, traceability and product design, besides establishing direct market connections with Japanese buyers.
“We are not competitors. We are partners in the story of fine natural fibre,” the Lieutenant Governor said, underlining the importance of international partnerships in taking Ladakh Pashmina to global markets.
The two-day conclave seeks to position Ladakh’s distinctive natural fibre as a premium international product while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for communities dependent on Pashmina production.
