Pashmina value chain in focus as national, global players meet in Leh

Leh, Feb 25: The two-day Pashmina Conclave 2026, themed ‘From Changthang Fibre to Global Luxury Standards,’ began at The Dragon Hotel in Leh, aiming to strengthen Ladakh’s Pashmina value chain and position the region’s premium fibre in the global luxury market.

Organised by the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, the conclave brings together designers from Delhi and Ladakh, local weavers, yarn makers, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, policymakers, and herders of the Changthang Pashmina goat. The platform seeks to promote sustainable production, value addition, quality standardisation, and strategic branding of Ladakh’s world-renowned Pashmina.

The opening session focused on the source and sustainability of Changthang fibre. Dr Asif Hussain, Nodal Officer, Pashmina Ladakh, traced the origins of Ladakh Pashmina and stressed sustainable practices to preserve its global reputation. Thinles Nurboo of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society highlighted the fibre’s unique qualities and the cooperative’s role in improving pastoral livelihoods. Tara Sharma of Jungwa Foundation flagged climate change challenges and the need for climate-resilient production.

The second session examined processing, purity, quality grading, and standardisation gaps. District Registrar of Cooperatives Huma Khan called for urgent standardisation to enhance market credibility, while Amina Bano of Looms of Ladakh stressed authenticity through traditional weaving. Konchok Stanzin of Pangong Craft Institute linked livestock welfare with fibre quality.

Artisan livelihoods and design integration were discussed in the third session, with NABARD representative Tundup Wangail outlining institutional support initiatives. Entrepreneur Rigzin Wangmo Lachic and Tashi Dorjey of Oden Collectives highlighted innovation and design integration to improve market competitiveness.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta reiterated Ladakh’s vision of making Pashmina a globally recognised luxury brand. Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra stressed a holistic approach to retain value within Ladakh, noting that the region produces 40–50 tonnes annually.

The conclave is expected to lay the groundwork for positioning Changthang Pashmina as a sustainable, premium, and globally competitive luxury fibre while ensuring inclusive growth for pastoral and artisan communities.