The Union Territory administration of Ladakh has set an ambitious target to double the population of Pashmina goats within the next three years, aiming to significantly bolster the production of the world-renowned wool. Currently, an estimated two lakh Pashmina goats are reared primarily by the Changpa pastoralist community in the high-altitude Changthang region. The administration’s new proposal seeks to increase this number to four lakh goats.
This strategic initiative was outlined during the inaugural meeting of the newly established Ladakh Pashmina Development Board (LPDB). Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena directed officials to implement measures necessary to achieve the doubling of the goat population. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that beyond increasing the sheer number of goats, the administration also intends to enhance the yield of raw Pashmina per animal. The current average yield of 200 grams per goat is slated for an increase to at least 350 grams, to be achieved through the adoption of scientific breeding techniques and the utilization of improved combing tools.
Ladakh holds a global reputation for producing the finest Pashmina, derived from the indigenous Changthangi goat breed, which is traditionally herded by the nomadic Changpa community. However, the Pashmina industry and the livelihoods of pastoral families have faced considerable challenges in recent years. These include escalating costs associated with livestock rearing, the severe impact of harsh climatic conditions, and fluctuating market returns, all of which have adversely affected productivity and the income of herders.
To address these issues and strengthen Ladakh’s Pashmina sector, the Lieutenant Governor has given his approval for two key programs designed to improve the economic standing of the Changpa pastoralists. The first is the ‘Livestock Development Incentive Programme,’ a novel initiative that will provide herders with a 25 percent incentive on top of the government’s procurement price. This top-up is intended to motivate increased production of Pashmina.
The second significant approval is the sanctioning of an Rs 8 crore ‘Revolving Fund’ for the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society Ltd. (ACPGCMS). This fund is earmarked to facilitate the procurement of raw Pashmina directly from nomadic herders and to ensure that they receive timely payments for their produce. The combined effect of these twin initiatives is expected to foster sustainable livestock development, boost the Pashmina goat population, reinforce the cooperative procurement system, and improve both the quality and quantity of Ladakh’s Pashmina output. Crucially, these measures aim to ensure that nomadic herders receive fair financial benefits, thereby eliminating the practice of distress sales and making the traditional Pashmina goat rearing more profitable and sustainable for the younger generation.
Under the ‘Livestock Development Incentive Programme,’ eligible Changpa herders will receive the 25 percent incentive directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The policy stipulates that 60 percent of this incentive must be allocated towards livestock improvement and scientific breeding practices. An additional 20 percent is designated for investments in infrastructure, such as acquiring advanced combing equipment and enhancing production facilities. The remaining 20 percent can be utilized by the herders for their household needs.
The Rs 8 crore ‘Revolving Fund’ will be exclusively utilized for the procurement of raw Pashmina and to guarantee prompt payments to herders. The cooperative societies are mandated to pay 50 percent of the procurement cost upfront, with the remaining balance to be disbursed within two months. This contrasts sharply with the past, where herders often faced payment delays of eight to ten months, compelling many to resort to borrowing money to sustain their livestock operations. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the vital role of the Changpa community as custodians of Ladakh’s natural and cultural heritage, reiterating the administration’s commitment to safeguarding their livelihoods while preserving this unique pastoral tradition. He stated that the ‘Livestock Development Incentive Programme’ and the ‘Revolving Fund’ together constitute a comprehensive strategy to support herders in enhancing their productivity, ensuring secure procurement, and guaranteeing timely payments.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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