Leh

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta on Saturday said that the region’s Pashmina is not merely a commercial product but a cultural treasure reflecting centuries of heritage and craftsmanship. He reaffirmed the Union Territory administration’s commitment to promote the luxurious fabric on the global stage.

Gupta made the remarks during his visit to the Upshi Pashmina Goat Farm, where he reviewed ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening Pashmina production, protecting the indigenous Changthangi goat breed—the world-renowned source of Ladakh’s premium Pashmina fibre—and supporting the livelihoods of nomadic communities, an official said.

District Sheep Husbandry Officer Tsewang Morup briefed the LG on the farm’s operations, detailing the current population of goats, protective measures in place to guard them from predators such as snow leopards and other wild animals, and the winter feeding arrangements that compensate for limited natural grazing. He underlined the importance of these interventions in ensuring the health and productivity of Pashmina goats.

The LG reviewed breeding practices, fodder management systems, animal health measures, and efforts to enhance both the yield and quality of Ladakh Pashmina, which is globally recognised as the finest in the world.

“Ladakh’s Pashmina is not just a commercial asset but a cultural treasure that carries centuries of heritage and craftsmanship,” Gupta said. He added that the administration is committed to building a sustainable ecosystem that supports not only high-altitude rearers but also the artisans who transform raw fibre into globally valued luxury products.

He instructed officials to intensify scientific breeding, expand fodder banks, and ensure uninterrupted veterinary care, especially during harsh winters when livestock is most vulnerable.

Stressing the need to blend traditional knowledge with modern technology, Gupta called for GPS-based herd tracking, improved shearing techniques, and research-driven breed enhancement to maintain the globally acclaimed quality of Ladakh Pashmina. He also emphasised boosting market linkages, branding initiatives, and certification systems to curb counterfeit products.

Appreciating the efforts of the farm staff working in difficult terrain, Gupta assured full administrative support to scale up production responsibly while safeguarding the region’s fragile mountain ecology.

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“Boosting the Pashmina economy is central to improving the income of rearer families and positioning Ladakh as a global hub of natural fibre excellence,” he added.