SRINAGAR: Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday inaugurated a two-day Pashmina conclave in Leh to strengthen the region’s natural fibre industry, expand access to international markets and improve economic returns for local herders and artisans.
The Ladakh Pashmina Conclave: Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet brought together Pashmina herders, artisans, entrepreneurs, industry representatives, designers and buyers, with delegates from Mongolia, Japan and Thailand also participating.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Union Ministry of Textiles and the Department of Industries and Commerce, Ladakh, to strengthen cooperation in the promotion and development of the Pashmina sector.
Saxena also released a postal stamp dedicated to GI-tagged Ladakh Pashmina, recognising its distinct identity, traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
The conclave’s Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet aims to connect local producers and enterprises directly with buyers, textile manufacturers, designers and other market participants. The initiative is intended to help producers understand market requirements, showcase their products and explore commercial partnerships, while reducing dependence on intermediaries.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the recognition of Ladakh Pashmina must translate into tangible economic benefits for the people involved in its production.
“Our vision is clear: Pashmina must be produced in Ladakh, processed in Ladakh, branded as Ladakh Pashmina, and taken to the world from Ladakh,” he said, stressing the need to strengthen local value addition and ensure that the benefits reach Changpa herders, artisans, women-led self-help groups and young entrepreneurs.
Saxena said the administration was working to increase the Pashmina goat population from approximately two lakh to four lakh within three years. Measures being promoted include scientific breeding, improved shearing and combing practices, cleaner fibre collection and sustainable pasture management.
The participation of delegates from Mongolia, Japan and Thailand provided opportunities to explore cooperation in traditional pastoral livelihoods, fibre quality, processing, craftsmanship, product design and access to international markets.
The Lieutenant Governor urged Mongolian delegates to facilitate exchanges of herders, technicians and researchers between Changthang and the Mongolian steppe to share expertise and strengthen traditional pastoral practices.
He also invited Japanese partners to collaborate with Ladakh on precision spinning and finishing, quality certification, traceability, design partnerships with Japanese brands and direct links with buyers in Japan.
Emphasising the potential for international collaboration in the natural fibre sector, Saxena said, “We are not competitors. We are partners in the story of fine natural fibre.”
