Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved two landmark initiatives to strengthen Ladakh's globally renowned Pashmina sector, providing a 25 per cent top-up incentive for Changpa herders and an Rs 8 crore revolving fund for cooperative procurement, an official spokesperson confirmed on Sunday.
Key initiatives approved by Ladakh Pashmina Development Board
The approvals were granted during the first meeting of the newly constituted Ladakh Pashmina Development Board (LPDB). The twin initiatives aim to promote sustainable livestock development, increase the population of Pashmina goats, strengthen the cooperative procurement system, improve the quality and quantity of Ladakh Pashmina, ensure financial benefits to nomadic herders and eliminate distress sales.
The spokesperson said the Livestock Development Incentive Programme will provide eligible Changpa herders with a 25 per cent top-up incentive over and above the procurement price paid by the government. This incentive will be transferred directly to the beneficiary's Aadhar-linked bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Incentive allocation and usage structure
This first-of-its-kind initiative is designed to make Pashmina goat rearing more profitable and sustainable. The policy stipulates that 60 per cent of the top-up incentive received by the herder will be utilised for livestock improvement and scientific breeding. Another 20 per cent will be allocated for infrastructure development, such as improved combing equipment and facilities to enhance Pashmina production. The remaining 20 per cent can be used for the personal and household needs of the herder, thereby improving their financial sustainability.
The board also decided to increase the population of Pashmina goats in Ladakh from nearly two lakh at present to at least four lakh within three years. A target has been set to raise raw Pashmina production from 200 grams per goat currently to at least 350 grams per goat, using scientific techniques and advanced tools for combing.
Revolving fund to ensure timely payments
In addition to the incentive programme, the LG approved the Policy for Creation and Management of an Rs 8 crore Revolving Fund for the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society Ltd (ACPGCMS), the apex cooperative responsible for procuring raw Pashmina directly from nomadic herders. The fund will be utilised exclusively for procurement and making timely payments to producers.
The most striking feature of this fund is that cooperatives will pay 50 per cent of the cost of raw Pashmina upfront to herders, with the remaining 50 per cent paid within two months. Previously, herders received payments from cooperatives in 8-10 months, forcing them to take loans from other sources to meet rearing expenses.
LG's vision for sustainable Pashmina heritage
Addressing the meeting, the Lt Governor said the Changpa pastoral communities are the custodians of one of Ladakh's greatest natural and cultural treasures, and the UT Administration is fully committed to securing their livelihoods while preserving this unique pastoral heritage. He stated that the Livestock Development Incentive Programme and the Revolving Fund together represent a comprehensive strategy that addresses both ends of the Pashmina value chain, supporting herders in improving productivity while ensuring assured procurement and timely payments.
Saxena said these initiatives would make Pashmina goat rearing more remunerative, encourage greater investment in scientific livestock management, eliminate exploitation by middlemen and position Ladakh as the world's leading producer of premium-quality, ethically sourced and sustainably produced Pashmina.
