Leh, May 11: The Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, today inspected the Pashmina Dehairing Plant located at the Industrial Area, Leh, and reviewed the functioning of the facility along with various stages involved in the processing of raw pashmina fibre sourced from Changthang.
During the inspection, officials from the Sheep Husbandry Department, Cooperatives Department, Industries & Commerce Department and All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society briefed the Lieutenant Governor about the functioning of the plant and the different processes involved in converting raw pashmina into fine quality dehaired fibre sourced from Changthang.
Saxena was informed that raw pashmina fibre sheared from Changthang goats contains a significant amount of dust, mud, grease and other impurities accumulated during grazing in high-altitude pastures. The fibre undergoes a detailed cleaning and scouring process involving multiple washing, rinsing, drying and conditioning stages before being subjected to the dehairing process, where the fine pashmina fibre is separated from coarse fibre.
Reiterating his vision to establish Ladakh as a global hub for the finest pashmina, Lieutenant Governor Saxena emphasised the need to ensure greater recognition and economic benefits for the nomadic herders and pastoral communities of Changthang engaged in pashmina production. He stated that strengthening local processing, improving quality standards and promoting value addition within Ladakh would significantly enhance the livelihoods of pashmina growers while preserving the region’s traditional heritage.
Saxena directed the officials to explore the possibility of utilising coarse fibre for manufacturing products such as rugs and carpets, which have significant market demand and can generate additional livelihood opportunities for local communities. He also directed that focus be given on spinning and yarn production of pashmina fibre and providing training to entrepreneurs in this regard to build their capacity.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the dehairing facility forms an important part of the UT Administration’s larger efforts to develop a sustainable and globally competitive pashmina ecosystem in Ladakh by modernising infrastructure, enhancing local employment opportunities and promoting indigenous products in national and international markets.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the concerned departments to take necessary steps to ensure optimal utilisation of modern infrastructure for enhancing production efficiency and maintaining global quality standards.
The Lieutenant Governor was informed that only around 24 per cent of the pashmina fibre produced in Ladakh is currently utilised locally, while trial interventions undertaken for spinning of pashmina fibre at centres in Bengaluru and Delhi on a trial basis have shown encouraging and successful results. Officials also informed that Ladakh’s raw pashmina fibre has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, while efforts are underway to secure GI tagging for hand-spun pashmina as well.
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