Leh, Apr 30 (PTI) The production of world-class Pashmina wool in Ladakh is not only strengthening India's luxury handloom sector but also transforming the socio-economic landscape of the region, particularly for the women-led self-help groups.
Known globally for its softness, Ladakhi Pashmina – with fibre diameter ranging from 13 to 15 microns – is emerging as a key driver of livelihood generation for the local artisans and pastoral communities.
Recently, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena visited the Pashmina Goat Farm at Upshi and reiterated the administration's vision to position the Union territory as a global hub for premium Pashmina wool and strengthen livelihoods linked to the sector.
Saxena emphasised the need to enhance value realisation for the local farmers and artisans by improving processing, branding and market linkages.
He stressed minimising wastage of raw wool and promoting value-added utilisation of by-products to boost the income of farmers, artisans and self-help groups (SHGs) engaged in Pashmina-related activities.
“Ladakh produces some of the finest Pashmina wool globally, known for its softness and quality. The Upshi farm alone produces around 150 kg of raw Pashmina annually," a senior official told PTI.
The official added that extracted through traditional combing methods, the wool is processed at a dehairing plant in Leh's industrial area, yielding about 35 per cent fine Pashmina from raw fibre.
"The fibre diameter typically ranges between 13 and 15 microns, with baby goat fibre as fine as 12 microns," an official in the husbandry department said.
He said there are around 2 lakh goats in Ladakh, and more than 90 per cent of these are found in Changthang in eastern Ladakh.
"These goats are mostly reared by Changpa nomads. They are called Changthangi or Pashmina goats," he said.
A major boost to the sector came from improved infrastructure and mechanised processing.
A state-of-the-art dehairing and processing unit in Leh is capable of extracting more than 10 kg of finest Pashmina fibre per hour, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing wastage during processing, the official said.
The farm at Upshi, which also serves as a green zone with more than 50,000 willow and poplar trees and around 2,000 quintals of alfalfa fodder, is one of three facilities in Ladakh supporting Pashmina production.
Beyond economic benefits, the sector is also playing a crucial role in women's empowerment.
Many women associated with SHGs are now financially independent, contributing to household decisions and accessing better education and healthcare for their families.
The officials said that more than 30 women-led SHGs across Leh and its adjoining areas are now actively engaged in processing, spinning and weaving Pashmina, creating sustainable income opportunities and improving household earnings.
“These groups are not only preserving the traditional craft but also adapting to modern designs and market demands," an official said.
The raw wool, obtained through traditional combing of Changthangi goats, undergoes dehairing, during which only about 35 per cent of fine Pashmina fibre is separated from the coarse outer hair.
This refined fibre is then used by the artisans to produce high-end shawls and garments.
“The growing ecosystem is helping artisans move up the value chain – from raw wool suppliers to skilled producers of finished luxury products, ensuring best price realisation and market access," the official said.
According to experts, the integration of traditional skills with modern processing techniques is key to sustaining the growth of the Pashmina sector.
As Ladakh positions itself as a global hub for the finest Pashmina, the sector stands as a model of how heritage crafts can drive inclusive growth, empower women, and create resilient rural economies.