Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta said that Ladakh’s world-famous Pashmina is set to become a global benchmark of luxury, emphasizing that the region must move beyond raw material supply to value addition, branding, and global marketing.
Addressing the Pashmina Conclave 2026 in Leh, the LG outlined a comprehensive roadmap to transform Ladakh into a Global Pashmina Centre of Excellence.
“Pashmina is Ladakh’s Identity and Pride”
The Conclave brought together shepherds, artisans, self-help groups, cooperatives, designers, financial institutions, researchers, and government officials to strengthen the Pashmina value chain.
LG Kavinder Gupta said Pashmina is not merely a luxury fabric but the identity and heritage of Ladakh. He highlighted the dedication of Changpa shepherds in Changthang who nurture the Changra goats in extreme climatic conditions and the craftsmanship of artisans who transform the fibre into world-class textiles.
“This is more than production—it is harmony between nature, culture, and human skill,” he said.
From Raw Fibre Supplier to Global Brand
The LG noted that while Ladakh produces the finest raw Pashmina globally, much of the value addition currently happens outside the region.
“Our goal is clear—Pashmina should be processed, branded, and marketed from Ladakh,” he stated, adding that the product must gain international recognition for authenticity, quality, and ethical production.
He emphasized building modern institutional frameworks for:
- Quality testing and fibre grading
- Certification and standardisation
- Design innovation
- Global branding and marketing
Sustainability and environmental protection, especially in the fragile Changthang ecosystem, will remain central to policy planning.
Youth Participation and Global Market Expansion
Calling Pashmina a “golden opportunity” for Ladakh’s youth, the LG encouraged young entrepreneurs to adopt modern skills in design, technology, marketing, and entrepreneurship. He assured government support in training, financial assistance, and market linkages to help establish a globally recognized Ladakhi luxury brand.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra highlighted that Ladakh produces 40–50 tonnes of raw Pashmina annually, but a significant share of profits goes to traders outside the region. He stressed the need for a holistic approach to enable Ladakh to produce premium luxury cashmere shawls and retain greater economic value locally.
Institutional and Industry Collaboration
Senior officials from various departments, including Industries & Commerce, Cooperatives, Sheep Husbandry, Handloom & Handicrafts, and Rural Development, participated in discussions focused on sustainability, processing quality, grading gaps, artisan livelihoods, and global branding strategies.
Representatives from central government bodies such as the Central Wool Development Board and the Textile Committee also attended, along with leading designers and industry experts.
The Conclave concluded with a collective pledge to position Ladakh’s Pashmina as a symbol of global luxury, ethical production, sustainability, and unmatched craftsmanship—ensuring long-term economic empowerment for shepherds and artisans while preserving Ladakh’s rich heritage.
