This policy addresses concerns regarding the processing of raw Pashmina wool, predominantly produced in the Union Territory of Ladakh, and its impact on local livelihoods. The central issue is that a significant portion of this wool is sent outside Ladakh for processing, leading to a loss of value addition and employment opportunities for local artisans.
The government, through the Central Wool Development Board, is implementing the Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP) from 2021-22 to 2025-26, which includes a component specifically for Pashmina wool development in Ladakh. A dehairing plant has been installed in Leh, Ladakh, to provide processing services to producers, artisans, traders, and weavers.
Under the Pashmina Wool Development Scheme, the government has sanctioned several projects in Ladakh over the past three years. These include:
* **2022-23:** Construction and distribution of 300 predator-proof corrals with LED lights to 160 nomads (₹300 Lakh).
* **2022-23:** Distribution of 400 portable tents with accessories to 120 nomads (₹200 Lakh).
* **2022-23:** Additional grant of a revolving fund for marketing Pashmina wool to 103 nomads (₹200 Lakh).
* **2022-23:** Procurement of Micro Plate PCR-DNA Analyzer Equipment (₹21.90 Lakh).
* **2023-24:** Establishment of a Common Facility Centre (CFC) for Pashmina wool processing (₹51.38 Lakh).
* **2023-24:** Development of Fodder Development Land (₹50 Lakh).
* **2024-25:** Fodder development Land at Fodder Development Farm, Khumbathang, Kargil UTL (₹26.00 Lakh)
In addition to the above, a Micro Plate PCR-DNA analyzer equipment has been sanctioned, and two training programs in machine sheep shearing have been conducted in Ladakh. The policy aims to promote local livelihoods and preserve the traditional Pashmina economy by facilitating processing, grading, and weaving activities within Ladakh itself.
Key Entities Referenced
Ladakh: A Union Territory of India, the primary region of pashmina wool production and processing discussed in the policy.
Raw Pashmina Wool: The primary subject of the policy, referring to the unprocessed wool produced in Ladakh.
Ministry of Textiles: The government ministry responsible for policies related to textiles, including pashmina wool.
Central Wool Development Board: A government organization implementing the Integrated Wool Development Programme.
Integrated Wool Development Programme IWDP: A government program implemented by the Central Wool Development Board for the development of the wool sector, including pashmina wool.
Pashmina Wool Development Scheme: A specific government scheme focused on the development of pashmina wool in Ladakh.
Common Facility Centre CFC: A facility sanctioned under the Pashmina Wool Development Scheme for pashmina wool processing in Ladakh.
Kargil UTL: A region located in Ladakh, where Fodder Development Farm is located.
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4177
TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.08.2025
RAW PASHMINA WOOL
4177. SHRI MOHMAD HANEEFA:
Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री
be pleased to state :
(a) whether the Government is aware that the raw pashmina wool is predominantly produced in Ladakh, a large
portion of it is sent outside the region for processing, resulting in the loss of value addition and employment
opportunities for local artisans;
(b) if so, whether the Government has undertaken any steps or formulated any policy to ensure that processing,
grading and weaving of pashmina wool is done within Ladakh itself to promote local livelihoods and preserve the
traditional pashmina economy;
(c) if so, the details of such schemes or financial assistance extended to pashmina processing units and cooperatives
based in Ladakh including the number of beneficiaries and amount disbursed during the last three years; and
(d) whether the Government proposes to establish Common Facility Centres, testing labs, or training-cum-
production hubs in Ladakh for wool processing and textile innovation specific to pashmina and if so, the details
thereof?
उत्तर
ANSWER
वस्त्र राज य् मंत्री (श्री पबित्र मार्घेरिटा)
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)
(a) to (c) : Raw Pashmina Wool is predominantly produced in UT of Ladakh region. The Government through
Central Wool Development Board has been implementing Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP) for
the period of 2021-22 to 2025-26 for the development of Wool Sector including component for Pashmina Wool
development for UT of Ladakh region. The Government has installed De-hairing Plant for Processing of Raw
Pashmina produced at Leh- Ladakh region and providing their services to producers, local artisans/ traders
/weavers, etc.
The Government has sanctioned projects / programme under Pashmina Wool Development Scheme in UT of
Ladakh during the last 3 years is at Annexure
(d): Under Pashmina Wool Development Scheme, Government has sanctioned Common Facility Centre (CFC)
for pashmina wool processing, Micro Plate PCR-DNA analyzer equipment, and conducted 02 training programmes
in machine sheep shearing in UT of Ladakh.
Annexure
In reply to part (c) of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question Number 4177 for 19.08.2025 asked by Shri Mohmad Haneefa
regarding Raw Pashmina Wool
SN Sanctioned Year Project for Sanctioned Amount (In
Lakh)
1 2022-23 Construction/Distribution of 300 predator proof corral with LED lights 300
to 160 Nomads
2 2022-23 Distribution of 400 portable tents with accessories to 120 Nomads 200
3 2022-23 Additional grant of revolving fund for marketing of Pashmina wool 200
to 103 Nomads
4 2022-23 For procurement of Micro Plate PCR-DNA Analyzer Equipments 21.90
5 2023-24 CFC for pashmina wool processing at UT of Ladakh 51.38
6 2023-24 For the Development of Fodder Development Land 50
7 2024-25 For Fodder development Land at Fodder Development Farm , Khumbathang 26.00
, Kargil (UTL)
****