Leh, Oct 23 : Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday inaugurated the two-day Ladakh Pashmina Conclave 2026 here, with the Union Textiles Ministry and the Union Territory administration signing an MoU to strengthen the sector.
Organised by the Ladakh Industries and Commerce Department under the MSME Ministry’s Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme, the conclave aims to promote sustainable production, improve processing and value addition, and expand the global market for the region’s GI-tagged pashmina.
A special postal cover celebrating Ladakh Pashmina textiles was also released during the inaugural programme.
The conclave brought together policymakers, industry experts, international delegates, pashmina producers and artisans to discuss ways to strengthen the value chain and enhance the global competitiveness of the region’s traditional luxury textile.
The first technical session focused on the Indian and international pashmina markets, government interventions and opportunities for international collaboration.
G S Bhatti, Executive Director of the Central Wool Board, outlined initiatives for the development of the sector and discussed the way forward.
International delegates shared insights into Mongolia’s cashmere industry, luxury cashmere branding in South Korea and potential collaboration with Japan in premium textiles, sustainable fashion and global brand development.
Thinley of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society presented an overview of Ladakh Pashmina, highlighting the sector’s importance to local producers and pastoral communities.
As part of the programme, the delegates visited a pashmina dehairing plant to understand processing facilities and value-addition efforts aimed at improving product quality and marketability.
Director of Industries, Ladakh, Sonam Norboo, inaugurated exhibition stalls showcasing pashmina products, handicrafts and handloom items, providing a platform for local artisans and entrepreneurs to display their products.
The conclave seeks to strengthen quality standards, processing infrastructure, branding and market linkages while supporting sustainable livelihoods for pashmina-rearing communities.
The second day of the conclave, scheduled for Saturday, will focus on production, skill development, quality assurance, sustainable resource management and access to domestic and international markets.
Ladakh Pashmina, known for its fine fibre and traditional craftsmanship, is an important source of livelihood for pastoral communities in the region.
