Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved two landmark initiatives aimed at strengthening Ladakh's globally renowned Pashmina sector and improving the livelihoods of the Changpa pastoral community during the first meeting of the newly constituted Ladakh Pashmina Development Board (LPDB).

On July 4, the Lieutenant Governor approved the Livestock Development Incentive Programme, a first-of-its-kind policy that provides a 25 per cent production-based top-up incentive on the total procurement value of raw Pashmina to eligible herders. The incentive is intended to boost local Pashmina production and encourage sustainable livestock development.

He also approved the creation of an ₹8 crore Revolving Fund for the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society Ltd. (ACPGCMS) to facilitate the procurement of raw Pashmina from nomadic herders and ensure prompt payments for their produce.

The twin initiatives aim to promote sustainable livestock development, increase the population of Changthangi Pashmina goats, strengthen the cooperative procurement system, improve the quality and quantity of Ladakh Pashmina, ensure greater financial returns to nomadic herders, and eliminate distress sales. The measures are also expected to encourage younger generations to continue the traditional practice of Changthangi Pashmina goat rearing by making it a more profitable and dignified livelihood.

Ladakh is globally recognised for producing the world's finest quality Pashmina from the indigenous Changthangi goat, reared by the Changpa nomadic pastoral communities of Changthang. However, rising livestock rearing costs, harsh climatic conditions, and fluctuating market returns have adversely affected productivity and the incomes of pastoral families in recent years.

Recognising these challenges, the LPDB approved the Livestock Development Incentive Programme under which the 25 per cent top-up incentive will be paid in addition to the government procurement price. The incentive will be transferred directly to beneficiaries' Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the scheme provides that 60 per cent of the incentive will be utilised for livestock improvement and scientific breeding, 20 per cent for infrastructure development, including improved combing equipment and production facilities, while the remaining 20 per cent may be used by herders for personal and household needs.

The Board also resolved to increase Ladakh's Pashmina goat population from the present two lakh to four lakh within three years. It also set a target of increasing raw Pashmina production from the current average of 200 grams per goat to at least 350 grams per goat through scientific breeding practices and advanced combing techniques.

Complementing the incentive programme, the ₹8 crore Revolving Fund will enable ACPGCMS to procure raw Pashmina directly from herders and make timely payments. Under the new arrangement, herders will receive 50 per cent of the procurement value upfront, with the remaining amount paid within two months. Previously, payments from cooperatives often took eight to ten months, forcing many herders to borrow money to meet livestock rearing expenses.

Highlighting the significance of the initiatives, Lieutenant Governor Saxena said the Changpa pastoral communities are the custodians of one of Ladakh's greatest natural and cultural treasures, and the UT Administration remains fully committed to securing their livelihoods while preserving this unique pastoral heritage.

He said the Livestock Development Incentive Programme and the Revolving Fund together form a comprehensive strategy that strengthens both ends of the Pashmina value chain by supporting herders in improving productivity while ensuring assured procurement and timely payments. He added that the initiatives would make Pashmina goat rearing more remunerative, encourage investment in scientific livestock management, eliminate exploitation by middlemen, and further establish Ladakh as the world's leading producer of premium-quality, ethically sourced, and sustainably produced Pashmina.

The decisions were taken following detailed deliberations and suggestions from stakeholders across the Pashmina value chain, including Changpa herders, cooperative societies, designers, industry experts, and other stakeholders, with the objective of promoting sustainable production, strengthening procurement systems, and enhancing the global competitiveness of Ladakh Pashmina.