Zanskar: The Sheep Husbandry Department, Kargil, on Saturday launched the Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP) for 2025–26 under the Central Wool Development Board, Ministry of Textiles, in the Zanskar Subdivision. The launch, marked by a Sheep Show-cum-Seminar, drew more than 250 sheep breeders from across the region alongside officials and public representatives.
The event was inaugurated by Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil, Er. Punchok Tashi, with Sheep Husbandry UT Ladakh Director Dr. Iftikhar Hussain as Guest of Honour and SDM Zanskar Mohammad Hassan as Special Guest. In his welcome remarks, Officer Incharge Pashmina Goat Farm Khangral, Dr. Zakir Hussain, greeted the guests, while District Sheep Husbandry Officer Dr. Niyaz Ul Hasnain outlined departmental achievements, including the recent sanctioning of five community shelter sheds and five Rarzis under the SDP in Zanskar, along with efforts to educate young entrepreneurs.
The programme introduced training for twenty local farmers in machine-based sheep shearing to improve efficiency, hygiene, and wool quality, marking a shift from traditional manual methods. To encourage home-based wool processing and support women’s self-help groups, the department distributed hand charkhas, pedal charkhas, and hand carders. Progressive breeders were also honoured for their exemplary livestock rearing practices, inspiring others to adopt best methods.
Addressing the gathering, Er. Punchok Tashi praised the department’s proactive outreach to remote areas and stressed the need to blend traditional practices such as Nambu/Frug with scientific tools to raise wool quality and market value. Dr. Iftikhar Hussain reaffirmed the department’s commitment to providing technical training, infrastructure support, and market linkages, while SDM Mohammad Hassan hailed the launch as a milestone in achieving self-reliant wool production and rural empowerment in Ladakh.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the wool value chain, generate employment, and preserve the region’s rich wool heritage for future generations.
