SRINAGAR: In a landmark development, Ladakh’s Pashmina wool has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) status, officially recognising the authenticity and quality of this prized textile. The GI tag, presented by Union Minister for Textiles, Giriraj Singh, to the Lt Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), marks a significant step towards preserving Ladakh’s heritage and boosting its economy.
The GI registration for Pashmina wool ensures that only genuine products originating from the region can carry the esteemed label, thereby safeguarding Ladakh’s centuries-old tradition of Pashmina production. This certification is expected to provide much-needed protection against the counterfeit goods that have previously flooded markets, diluting the reputation of Ladakh’s ‘soft gold’ – a name often attributed to Pashmina for its exquisite quality and rarity.
At the ceremony, which took place at the Lt Governor’s Secretariat, officials from the Ministry of Textiles, the Central Wool Development Board, and the local administration were present, alongside artisans, members of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and entrepreneurs. The occasion was hailed as a turning point in the region’s efforts to promote and preserve its unique cultural products, which include not only Pashmina but also sea buckthorn and apricots.
The GI tag represents a new chapter for Ladakh’s economy, especially for the Pashmina herders and artisans who have traditionally relied on this delicate wool for their livelihoods. Mishra lauded the move, terming it “historic” and stating that this recognition would ensure the authenticity and best quality of Pashmina products, something that had been lacking due to the prevalence of inferior and fake alternatives in the market.
The LG also highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the UT Administration to support Pashmina production. These include distributing pens for Pashmina goat kids to reduce their mortality rate, installing a Pashmina Dehairing Plant in Leh, establishing the Directorate of Sheep Husbandry, and planting fodder at Pang to meet winter feed requirements. He noted that the GI registration would boost the efforts already underway to improve the quality of Pashmina wool and attract Ladakhi youth to continue the traditional practice of goat herding.
Giriraj Singh, while handing over the GI certificate, emphasised the importance of increasing Pashmina production in Ladakh to ensure better income for the region’s herders and artisans. He underscored the government’s commitment to achieving a target of five lakh Pashmina goats and one million Merino sheep by 2030, which would not only benefit the herders but also contribute to Ladakh’s overall GDP growth.
Singh made several suggestions to further enhance Pashmina production, such as setting up breeding farms in Leh and Kargil, implementing artificial insemination techniques, and curbing inbreeding among sheep. He also proposed projects on selective breeding and competitions among farmers to incentivise best practices. Additionally, he suggested conducting laboratory tests on Pashmina goat milk to assess its nutritional content and advocated for preparing fodder pellets to support livestock during harsh winter months.
The Union Minister commended the administration’s ongoing efforts, particularly in reducing the mortality rate among Pashmina goat kids, and assured full support from the government. He also praised the Prime Minister and the Home Minister for granting Union Territory status to Ladakh, which he credited with giving the region the platform to promote its unique products on both national and international stages.