The world-famous Pashmina wool, obtained from goats reared in the high-altitude Changthang region of Ladakh, is set to receive a major boost, with the Union Territory administration planning to double the Pashmina goat population over the next three years.
At present, nearly two lakh goats are reared, mostly by Changpa pastoralists in the remote region. Under a new proposal, the administration aims to increase the population to four lakh.
Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, during the first meeting of the newly constituted Ladakh Pashmina Development Board (LPDB), directed officials to take steps to double the goat population.
The administration has also set a target of increasing raw Pashmina yield from the present average of 200 grams per goat to at least 350 grams through scientific breeding techniques and improved combing tools.
Ladakh is globally renowned for producing the world’s finest Pashmina from the indigenous Changthangi goat reared by the Changpa nomadic pastoral community. However, rising livestock rearing costs, harsh climatic conditions and fluctuating market returns have adversely impacted productivity and the incomes of pastoral families in recent years.
The L-G also approved two key initiatives aimed at strengthening Ladakh’s globally renowned Pashmina industry and improving the livelihoods of Changpa pastoralists.
He cleared the ‘Livestock Development Incentive Programme’, introduced for the first time, under which herders will receive a 25 per cent top-up incentive over and above the government procurement price to encourage higher production.
The L-G also sanctioned a Rs 8-crore ‘Revolving Fund’ for the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society Ltd. (ACPGCMS) to facilitate procurement of raw Pashmina from nomadic herders and ensure timely payments.
“The twin initiatives seek to promote sustainable livestock development, increase the Pashmina goat population, strengthen the cooperative procurement system, improve the quality and quantity of Ladakh Pashmina, ensure financial benefits for nomadic herders and eliminate distress sales. This, in turn, will encourage the younger generation to continue the traditional practice of Pashmina goat rearing by making it more profitable and sustainable," an official said.
Under the incentive programme, eligible Changpa herders will receive the 25 per cent top-up through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
As per the policy, 60 per cent of the incentive will be earmarked for livestock improvement and scientific breeding, 20 per cent for infrastructure such as improved combing equipment and production facilities, while the remaining 20 per cent can be utilised for household needs.
Under the Revolving Fund, the Rs 8 crore will be used exclusively for procurement of raw Pashmina and timely payments. Cooperatives will pay 50 per cent of the procurement cost upfront, with the balance released within two months. Earlier, herders often had to wait eight to ten months for payment, forcing many to borrow money to sustain livestock rearing.
The L-G said the Changpa community is the custodian of one of Ladakh’s greatest natural and cultural treasures and that the administration remains committed to securing their livelihoods while preserving this unique pastoral heritage.
“The Livestock Development Incentive Programme and the Revolving Fund together represent a comprehensive strategy that supports herders in enhancing productivity while ensuring assured procurement and timely payments," he said.
