SRINAGAR: Ladakh is set to undertake a coordinated push to strengthen its pashmina sector, with the administration focusing on reducing production bottlenecks, improving raw material availability, expanding spinning and weaving capacity and opening up national markets for local entrepreneurs.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra reviewed the sector at a meeting involving government departments, SKUAST, SIDCO, entrepreneurs, weavers and other stakeholders, directing departments to address delays in raw material payments and identify spinning and weaving units requiring equipment and technical support.
The meeting also examined plans for pasture development and winter fodder management for nomadic communities, including strengthening natural grazing areas, rock fencing and establishing fodder banks using locally suitable grasses and crops. The administration will explore convergence with the Irrigation Department for integrated pasture and fodder projects.
Entrepreneurs flagged high raw-material costs, expensive spinning processes, working-capital constraints and limited access to modern equipment and training. Kundra called for examining both traditional hand-spun and machine-spun yarn models to improve consistency and production capacity while retaining the traditional character of Ladakh pashmina.
The administration will also pursue entrepreneur-wise GI tagging and organise a training camp on the process. Plans to promote Ladakh pashmina through exhibitions, fashion and designer showcases and proposed showrooms in Delhi were discussed, with emphasis on building sustained market linkages rather than merely increasing sales.
Kundra also urged entrepreneurs to work with designers and fashion professionals to develop contemporary products while retaining Ladakh pashmina’s distinctive identity.
