In a significant boost to Ladakh’s textile industry, the Union Minister for Textiles, Giriraj Singh, has announced the conferment of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to the region’s Pashmina wool. This move aims to protect the unique identity of Ladakh’s Pashmina, often misappropriated by traders from Kashmir.
The GI tag will ensure that Ladakh’s Pashmina, renowned for its exceptional softness and quality, is recognised as a distinct product, safeguarding the interests of local herders and artisans. The Minister emphasised the need to increase Pashmina production in Ladakh to enhance the income of herders and encouraged stall feeding of Pashmina and Merino sheep to empower women.
To further strengthen the Pashmina industry, the Minister proposed several initiatives, including establishing breeding farms, conducting artificial insemination, promoting select breeding, and providing incentives to farmers. Additionally, he suggested conducting lab tests on Pashmina goat milk to assess its nutritional value and organising exposure visits for officials to learn from best practices.
The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra, hailed the GI registration as a historic milestone, acknowledging the lack of authenticity and quality assurance in Pashmina products until now. He sought the Ministry’s support in promoting Pashmina’s growth and development in the region.
With the GI tag in place, Ladakh’s Pashmina industry is poised to flourish, attracting global attention and providing a sustainable livelihood for its people. The initiative also highlights the importance of protecting indigenous textile traditions and recognizing the unique qualities of regional products.
