Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on May 11 inspected the Pashmina Dehairing Plant located at the Industrial Area in Leh and reviewed the functioning of the facility along with the various stages involved in processing raw pashmina fibre sourced from Changthang.

During the inspection, officials from the Sheep Husbandry Department, Cooperatives Department, Industries & Commerce Department and the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the functioning of the plant and the processes involved in converting raw pashmina into fine-quality dehaired fibre.

Saxena was informed that raw pashmina fibre sheared from Changthang goats contains a considerable amount of dust, mud, grease and other impurities accumulated during grazing in high-altitude pastures. The fibre undergoes a detailed cleaning and scouring process involving multiple stages of washing, rinsing, drying and conditioning before the dehairing process separates the fine pashmina fibre from coarse fibre.

Reiterating his vision to establish Ladakh as a global hub for the finest quality pashmina, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised the need to ensure greater recognition and economic benefits for the nomadic herders and pastoral communities of Changthang engaged in pashmina production. He said that strengthening local processing, improving quality standards and promoting value addition within Ladakh would significantly enhance the livelihoods of pashmina growers while preserving the region’s traditional heritage.

Saxena directed officials to explore the possibility of utilising coarse fibre for manufacturing products such as rugs and carpets, which have significant market demand and can generate additional livelihood opportunities for local communities. He also stressed the need to focus on spinning and yarn production of pashmina fibre and directed that entrepreneurs be provided training to build their capacities in this sector.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that the dehairing facility forms an important part of the UT Administration’s broader efforts to develop a sustainable and globally competitive pashmina ecosystem in Ladakh by modernising infrastructure, enhancing local employment opportunities and promoting indigenous products in national and international markets.

He further directed the concerned departments to take necessary measures for the optimal utilisation of modern infrastructure to enhance production efficiency and maintain global quality standards.

Officials informed the Lieutenant Governor that only around 24 per cent of the pashmina fibre produced in Ladakh is currently utilised locally, while trial interventions for spinning pashmina fibre at centres in Bengaluru and Delhi have shown encouraging results. They also informed that Ladakh’s raw pashmina fibre has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and efforts are underway to secure GI tagging for hand-spun pashmina as well.