Leh: In a significant move to safeguard and promote Ladakh’s unique Geographical Indication (GI) products, particularly Pashmina, Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, convened a meeting with officials from GI Tagged and the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC).
The meeting focused on the implementation of GI tagging for Ladakh Pashmina and protecting the rights of local breeders.
During the discussion, officials emphasized the importance of spreading awareness among stakeholders and proposed organizing a GI awareness programme and camp in Nyoma on August 25.
The initiative will aim to educate local communities about the significance of GI certification, its benefits for marketing, and the step-by-step process involved.
CEC Tashi Gyalson suggested active involvement of concerned Councillors and local cooperative societies to ensure grassroots participation and effective outreach.
The GI Tagged team also proposed a strategic collaboration with LAHDC Leh for marketing Ladakh’s GI products through their dedicated GI website and the exclusive GI Mall in Bengaluru. They expressed interest in creating a special space to showcase authentic Ladakhi products and requested the administration to consider formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
In response, CEC Gyalson appreciated the initiative and directed the team to prepare a draft MoU for further consideration. He reiterated LAHDC’s commitment to empowering local artisans and breeders through such initiatives, which would enhance market access both nationally and internationally.
The initiative is expected to play a vital role in ensuring authenticity, legal protection, and better market value for Ladakh Pashmina, ultimately benefiting the region’s traditional economy and heritage.
