SRINAGAR: More than 100 buyers, exporters, traders and business representatives from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country participated in a Buyer–Seller Meet here on Friday aimed at creating direct market linkages between Ladakh’s Pashmina growers and the wider industry.
The event, organised by the Cooperatives Department of the Union Territory of Ladakh in collaboration with the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Society Ltd and JK Bank, brought Pashmina herders face-to-face with prospective buyers to explore better price realisation, long-term procurement arrangements and ways to reduce the role of intermediaries in the trade.
The meet was held at the DIPR Auditorium in Srinagar.
The event brought together representatives of the Pashmina-growing community with prominent business and industry organisations, including PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Kashmir Pashmina Welfare Trust and Tahafuz Society.
A.P. Vicky Shaw, Chairman, PHDCCI Kashmir; Iqram Ali Shafiee, Chairman, CII JK; Javed Ahmad Tenga, President, KCCI; Mubashir Ahmad, President, Kashmir Pashmina Welfare Trust; Mohd Rafiq Sofi, President, Tahafuz Society; and Muzaffar, Zonal Head, Srinagar, JK Bank, interacted with cooperative members and discussed possibilities for sustained business relationships.
The participating members of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Society showcased authentic Ladakh Pashmina and value-added products to buyers and traders.
The direct interaction allowed prospective buyers to understand the production process, quality parameters and distinctive characteristics of Ladakh Pashmina, while growers and cooperative members gained a better understanding of market requirements, pricing expectations and opportunities for value addition.
Discussions during the meet covered quality assurance, branding, geographical indication (GI) certification, value addition, digital marketing and expansion of domestic and international markets.
A major proposal discussed at the event was the development of a dedicated digital platform or mobile application for Pashmina growers, artisans and cooperative members.
The proposed platform is intended to facilitate digital payments, provide information on government schemes and market conditions, and establish direct digital linkages between producers and buyers.
Officials said the initiative could help strengthen the cooperative ecosystem by improving access to market information and reducing the dependence of producers on intermediaries.
The meet also provided an opportunity for buyers and exporters to discuss long-term procurement, quality standards and potential business arrangements directly with the growers.
Secretary of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Society Ltd. Thinles, representatives of JK Bank and the Cooperatives Department, officials of the Changthang district administration, cooperative members, artisans and weavers attended the programme.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Deputy Registrar Cooperatives Sachin Bali.
The Cooperatives Department, UT Ladakh, said it would organise more such buyer–seller meets to expand direct market linkages, promote authentic Ladakh Pashmina and ensure that a greater share of the value generated by the fibre reaches the Pashmina-growing communities of Changthang.
