Leh, Aug 14: Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta emphasized the need for global branding, value addition, and dynamic marketing to elevate Ladakh’s renowned Pashmina wool industry, aiming to boost incomes for artisans, entrepreneurs, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
He asserted that making the Pashmina sector more lucrative and secure will rekindle the interest of youth from the Changthang region, encouraging them to embrace it as a sustainable livelihood.
During his visit to the Pashmina Dehairing Plant and Lena Weaving Unit in Leh’s Industrial Estate, Gupta reaffirmed the UT Administration’s commitment to supporting producers with enhanced market access and higher returns through timely assistance.
He advocated for improved Pashmina quality, diversified products, modern processing techniques, and a robust branding strategy that showcases authenticity, cultural heritage, and premium quality, backed by impactful national and global campaigns.
Interacting with artisans, entrepreneurs, and members of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society during his visit to the Pashmina Dehairing Plant and Lena Weaving Unit at the Industrial Estate, Leh, the Lt Governor emphasised enhancing the quality of Pashmina wool, diversifying product lines, and adopting modern processing techniques.
To gain first-hand insight into the facilities and benefits extended to artisans, start-ups, and entrepreneurs by the UT Administration through the Industries & Commerce and Animal/Sheep Husbandry departments, the Lt Governor inspected multiple units at the Industrial Estate, Leh, including aluminium and steel fabrication, woodcarving, sculpting and Pashmina weaving units.
The Lt Governor also called upon the need to foster entrepreneurship among the local youth, urging them to actively explore opportunities in the Pashmina sector and related industries.
He stressed that the youth should not depend solely on government jobs; instead, they should strive to become job providers rather than job seekers.
He encouraged them to take full advantage of various Centrally Sponsored Schemes and financial assistance programmes launched by the Government of India, which provide skill development, start-up support, and market linkages.
By combining Ladakh’s traditional craftsmanship with modern business models, he said, the youth can create sustainable livelihoods, generate local employment, and carry forward the rich legacy of the region’s artisanal heritage to national and global markets.
Administrative Secretary, Rudra Goud P.T., IAS, informed the Lt Governor that the Pashmina Dehairing Plant has the capacity to process 10 kg of raw pashmina per hour, greatly benefiting stakeholders in the sector. Members of the Cooperative apprised the Lt Governor about the functioning of the Pashmina Scouring and Dehairing machines.
During his visit to the woodcarving unit of Padma Shri awardee Tsering Namgyal, renowned for his GI-tagged ‘Ladakh Shingskos’ craft, Kavinder Gupta lauded his exceptional artistry and urged him to continue making Ladakh proud through his creations.
Councillors from Chushul and Kungyam, senior government officials, and directors of relevant departments accompanied the Lt Governor during his visit to the Industrial Estate, Leh.
