Pashmina Conclave 2026: Ladakh Targets Global Markets and Higher Producer Earnings

The Ladakh Administration is seeking to expand international markets for its GI-tagged Pashmina and improve earnings for local herders and artisans through better processing, branding and market access, officials said during the Pashmina Conclave 2026 in Leh.

Held on October 23 and 24, the two-day conclave brought together producers, industry representatives and delegates from Mongolia, Japan and Thailand. A Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet was organised to connect local entrepreneurs with international buyers and explore potential business opportunities.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the conclave and emphasised the importance of processing and branding Pashmina within Ladakh before taking it to international markets. The initiative aims to strengthen market linkages and increase the share of value retained by local producers.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Union Ministry of Textiles and Ladakh’s Department of Industries and Commerce to support the development of the Pashmina sector.

The administration is also promoting financial support for herders. Under the Livestock Development Incentive Programme, eligible producers receive a 25 per cent top-up over the government procurement price. The incentive is allocated for livestock improvement and breeding, infrastructure development, including improved combing equipment, and household requirements.

An ₹8 crore revolving fund approved for the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society is intended to facilitate raw-fibre procurement and timely payments. The payment mechanism provides for 50 per cent upfront, with the remaining amount payable within two months.

The administration has also set a target to increase the Pashmina goat population from approximately two lakh to four lakh within three years. Measures under consideration include improved fibre collection, processing and sustainable pasture management.

Proposed international cooperation includes exchanges of herders, technicians and researchers between Ladakh’s Changthang region and Mongolia, as well as potential collaboration with Japanese partners in spinning, finishing, certification and design.

A special postal cover depicting Ladakh’s Pashmina textile was also issued by the Ladakh Postal Division on October 23 to commemorate the conclave and recognise the region’s traditional craftsmanship.