Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Apr 26: With an aim to strengthening and promoting Ladakhi Pashmina and positioning it as a global brand, the Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, visited the Pashmina Goat Farm at Upshi.
Noting that Ladakh had immense potential to emerge as a global Pashmina hub, the Lt Governor emphasised the need to ensure better value realisation for local farmers and artisans. He stressed the importance of minimising wastage of raw wool and utilising by-products for value-added items. He also emphasised the need to improve processing, branding, new design interventions and market linkages for the Ladakhi Pashmina products that would not only strengthen the local artisans and enterprises but also secure higher income for farmers and self-help groups engaged in Pashmina-related activities.
During the visit, the Lt Governor was informed that Ladakh is home to some of the finest Pashmina wool in the world, renowned for its exceptional softness and superior quality. He was apprised that there are three Pashmina farms across Ladakh, with the Upshi farm alone producing around 150 kg of raw Pashmina annually. The farm, with over 50,000 willow and poplar trees and around 2,000 quintals of alfalfa fodder, also serves as a major green zone in Ladakh.
Mr Saxena emphasised the Farm’s potential to be developed as a unique tourism destination. He asked for introducing guided tours to educate visitors about authentic Ladakhi Pashmina and dispel misinformation in the market. He directed that the farm be integrated into Ladakh’s tourism circuit and that existing infrastructure be upgraded. The LG assured full support from the UT Administration to promote Ladakhi Pashmina as a globally recognised brand.
The Lieutenant Governor also visited the Changluk Breeding Farm and the Intensive Fodder Development Farm at Stakna, reviewing ongoing efforts to strengthen livestock and fodder resources in the region.
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