Leh, July 24: In a major push to strengthen Ladakh’s iconic Pashmina industry, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Friday reviewed key initiatives aimed at modernising the region’s Pashmina value chain and improving the livelihoods of Changthang pastoralists.
Chairing a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Ladakh Pashmina Development Board (LPDB), the Chief Secretary stressed the need for timely and transparent payments to herders, directing officials to establish a robust digital payment system integrated with J&K Bank to enable direct spot payments into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of the Revolving Fund Policy, raw Pashmina procurement, livestock development incentives, breeder welfare measures, progress of the upgraded dehairing plant, processing infrastructure and the proposed Pashmina Heritage Centre.
Kundra directed departments to create a comprehensive digital database containing village-wise and herder-wise procurement, payment and collection records to ensure transparency and efficient monitoring. He also called for engaging skilled technical experts and marketing professionals to enhance fibre grading, quality testing and plant operations.
Highlighting the importance of branding, the Chief Secretary advocated QR code-based traceability, digital registration and GI-compliant labelling to establish the authenticity of Ladakh Pashmina and boost consumer confidence in domestic as well as international markets.
The meeting also witnessed the demonstration of a digital traceability portal by two young entrepreneurs, enabling consumers to verify the origin of every batch of Pashmina through a unique QR code. Appreciating the initiative, Kundra directed officials to further strengthen the platform for global branding.
He also emphasised promoting value-added Pashmina products, supporting local entrepreneurs and weavers through modern Common Facility Centres, and exploring community-led pastoral tourism in Changthang to create additional livelihood opportunities.
The meeting further discussed animal insurance, wildlife compensation, vocational education, skill development and expanding support for Pashmina entrepreneurs. Senior officials from the Cooperative, Industries, and Animal & Sheep Husbandry departments, along with Pashmina entrepreneurs, attended the meeting.
