Leh, Oct 21 : Ladakh will host a two-day Pashmina conclave on October 23 and 24 to strengthen the region’s traditional fibre industry, improve value addition and explore opportunities in international markets, officials said on Wednesday.
The Ladakh Pashmina Conclave 2026, organised by the Union Territory’s Department of Industries and Commerce under the Centre’s Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme, will bring together policymakers, scientists, textile experts, international delegates, artisans and entrepreneurs.
The conclave will focus on strengthening the Pashmina value chain, from Changthang’s high-altitude pastures and Changthangi goat rearing to fibre processing, spinning, weaving, product development and market access.
A key highlight of the inaugural session will be the proposed signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Union Ministry of Textiles and the Ladakh administration to strengthen cooperation in the Pashmina sector, officials said.
A special postal cover dedicated to GI-tagged Ladakh Pashmina is also planned, along with the distribution of toolkits to artisans to support traditional skills and improve their productivity.
Delegations from Mongolia and Japan are expected to participate in the event, where discussions will explore collaboration in premium natural fibres, sustainable fashion and global textile markets.
The conclave will feature sessions on improving Changthangi goat production, grassland restoration, wool development, modern spinning and weaving technologies, and Pashmina testing and certification.
Experts from institutions including Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, the Central Wool Board, the National Institute of Fashion Technology and the National Institute of Design are expected to contribute to the discussions.
The participants will also deliberate on geographical indication (GI) protection, traceability, quality assurance and branding, including the proposed development of an umbrella “Pashmina Ladakh” brand to strengthen product identity and consumer confidence.
Buyer-seller interactions and presentations by local entrepreneurs will seek to connect producers with prospective buyers, designers and wider markets, while encouraging enterprises to move towards higher-value products through innovation and improved design.
The first day of the conclave will be held at the Sheep Husbandry Farm in Stakna on October 23, while the second day’s proceedings will take place at Ladakh Sarai Resort in Ayu, Saboo, on October 24.
The event will conclude with recommendations for future interventions in the Pashmina sector. A gala dinner and Pashmina ramp walk on October 24 will showcase collections by local entrepreneurs.
The initiative aims to improve economic opportunities for pastoral communities and artisans, preserve Ladakh’s traditional Pashmina heritage and strengthen the fibre’s position in domestic and international markets.
