L-G VK Saxena reviews pashmina plant, pushes for value addition in Ladakh
Stresses the need to ensure greater recognition and economic benefits for the nomadic herders
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday inspected the Pashmina Dehairing Plant at the Industrial Area in Leh and reviewed the functioning of the facility along with various stages involved in processing raw pashmina fibre sourced from Changthang.
An official statement said officers from the Sheep Husbandry, Cooperatives, and Industries & Commerce departments, along with representatives of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society, briefed the Lieutenant Governor about the functioning of the plant and the processes involved in converting raw pashmina into fine-quality dehaired fibre.
Officials informed Saxena that raw pashmina fibre obtained from Changthang goats contains dust, mud, grease and other impurities accumulated during grazing in high-altitude pastures. The fibre undergoes multiple stages of cleaning, scouring, rinsing, drying and conditioning before the dehairing process separates the fine pashmina fibre from coarse fibre.
Reiterating his vision of establishing Ladakh as a global hub for premium pashmina, Saxena stressed the need to ensure greater recognition and economic benefits for the nomadic herders and pastoral communities of Changthang engaged in pashmina production.
He said strengthening local processing, improving quality standards and promoting value addition within Ladakh would significantly improve the livelihoods of pashmina growers while preserving the region’s traditional heritage.
The L-G directed officials to explore the possibility of using coarse fibre for manufacturing products such as rugs and carpets, which have considerable market demand and could create additional livelihood opportunities for local communities.
He also emphasised the need to focus on spinning and yarn production of pashmina fibre and directed officials to provide training to local entrepreneurs to build capacity in the sector.
Saxena observed that the dehairing facility forms an important part of the UT Administration’s broader efforts to develop a sustainable and globally competitive pashmina ecosystem in Ladakh by modernising infrastructure, creating local employment opportunities and promoting indigenous products in national and international markets.
He directed the concerned departments to take necessary measures for the optimal utilisation of modern infrastructure to enhance production efficiency and maintain global quality standards.
