NEW DELHI, Mar 12:
Concerned over the recent deaths of thousands of Pashmina goats in the Ladakh region, the Government has decided to provide a financial assistance of Rs 41.21 crore to protect the animals, producing world-famous fine luxury fibre.
“The plan envisages a new Pashmina Wool Development Scheme with a special package and a financial allocation of Rs 41.21 crore,” the Textiles Ministry said in a statement.
The main components of the scheme include assistance for foundation stock in new areas for Pashmina rearing activities; health coverage and feed supplement; strengthening of existing fodder bank and pashmina goat breeding farm.
It will also include establishment of multipurpose extension centre and pasture farm on migratory routes; breeder orientation training camp and research and development.
“The Ministry of Textiles is deeply concerned to learn that the recent unprecedented snowfall in Changthang region this winter has left twenty two thousand goats dead,” the statement said.
To take care of such natural calamities in future, the Government has launched a major programme for development of Pashmina and Pashmina developers in Ladakh region during the 12th Five Year Plan.
The Government provides assistance for setting up Pashmina Goat Pens for protecting flocks and provide portable tents, snow-boots, torch and goggles.
For this, the Ministry has adopted a participatory approach involving all stake holders including the end beneficiaries to implement sustainable development of Pashmina farmers and enhance Pashmina production.
“Livelihood of Pashmina farmers and avoiding disruption of economic activity in this important region is one of our foremost priority,” it said, quoting Minister of Commerce Industry and Textiles Anand Sharma.
Pashmina, internationally known as “Cashmere” a fine luxury fibre is being produced from Changthang goats bred in the Ladakh region of India.
It said that Pashmina producing goats are of great importance for revitalising the economy of the poverty stricken region of Changthang and the Leh district of Ladakh.
Ladakh produces more than 80 per cent of the total Pashmina yield of the country, it added. (PTI)
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