Leh: The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, today chaired a meeting to review and strengthen the strategy for enhancing Pashmina collection and production processes across the region. The meeting primarily focused on improving the efficiency of raw Pashmina collection, scientific processing, and value addition to ensure higher returns for local producers.
Emphasizing production, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to increase Pashmina yield through improved herd management, better veterinary support, and scientific breeding practices. He further stressed ensuring timely and efficient collection of raw Pashmina from pastoral areas, with proper mechanisms for aggregation and transportation to processing centers.
Special focus was laid on strengthening the dehairing process, which is crucial for refining raw pashmina into usable fibre. The Chief Secretary directed that adequate infrastructure be ensured for clean collection, sorting, grading, and dehairing, along with availability of necessary machinery and trained manpower. He also emphasized minimizing wastage and maintaining quality standards throughout the process.
To enhance value addition, the meeting reviewed the functioning of existing Pashmina dehairing and processing units. Directions were issued to modernize these units, improve operational efficiency, and ensure that herders and primary producers receive fair and timely remuneration for their produce.
The Chief Secretary also stressed the importance of establishing a robust supply chain system, ensuring proper storage facilities, and strengthening cooperative networks to streamline procurement and distribution. He emphasized the need for quality certification and branding of Ladakh Pashmina to preserve its authenticity and enhance its market competitiveness.
Further, directions were issued to strengthen the role of cooperatives and self-help groups in the collection and processing chain, along with capacity building and skill development initiatives for herders and artisans.
The Chief Secretary reviewed ongoing government interventions and emphasized convergence among departments for effective implementation. He called for regular monitoring to ensure tangible improvements in production, processing efficiency, and income generation.
Concluding the meeting, Ashish Kundra reiterated the Administration’s commitment to enhancing Pashmina collection and production systems in Ladakh. He urged all stakeholders to work in close coordination to establish Ladakh as a global leader in high-quality Pashmina production while securing sustainable livelihoods for its pastoral communities.
The meeting was attended by Administrative Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Rudra Goud P.T; Administrative Secretary, Cooperatives, Bhanu Prabha; Administrative Secretary, Rural Development Department, Shashanka Ala; Director, Sheep Husbandry Department, Dr. Iftikhar Hussain; Director, Industries & Commerce Department; along with representatives from cooperative societies and experts associated with Pashmina development in Ladakh.
