Ladakh Approves New Incentives and Funds to Support Pashmina Industry

LEH July 05 — Vinai Kumar Saxena announced that the Ladakh Pashmina Development Board has approved two major initiatives aimed at strengthening the regional pashmina sector and empowering nomadic herders.

The first initiative introduces a 25 percent production-based incentive under the Livestock Development Incentive Programme to enhance herder income and industry sustainability. This financial boost will be distributed on top of the standard raw pashmina rates currently provided by the government.The second initiative establishes an eight crore rupee revolving fund designed to eliminate long payment backlogs for herders.

Under this new mechanism, 50 percent of the pashmina cost will be paid immediately upon delivery, while the remaining balance will be cleared within two months, replacing the previous system that caused delays of up to ten months. Out of the 25 percent incentive received, herders will reinvest 60 percent into livestock improvement and scientific breeding, allocate 20 percent for modern combing equipment and infrastructure, and utilize the final 20 percent for personal or household needs.

The administration has also set a target to double the pashmina goat population from two lakh to four lakh over the next three years. Simultaneously, the wool yield per goat is projected to increase from 200 grams to 350 grams through the deployment of advanced scientific combing tools.

These combined measures are expected to improve nomadic livelihoods, make goat rearing highly profitable, and position Ladakh as a primary global source for premium, ethically produced pashmina.