Experts deliberate on grassland restoration, fibre quality, GI traceability, value addition and global market opportunities for Ladakh Pashmina
Leh: The second day of the Ladakh Pashmina Conclave 2026 continued at Ladakh Sarai Resort, Ayu, Saboo, with experts, scientists, researchers, industry representatives and local entrepreneurs deliberating on strengthening the Pashmina value chain through sustainable production, scientific authentication, modern processing and global branding.
The technical sessions focused on improving Pashmina fibre yield while preserving its quality, restoring high-altitude grasslands, exploring the potential of yak and sheep wool, strengthening certification systems and expanding market opportunities for Ladakh’s traditional fibre and handicraft sector.
The session on “Goat Production, Grassland Restoration and Fibre Yield” featured presentations by Dr Feroz Din Sheikh, Professor of Animal Genetics and Breeding, HAL.RI, University of Ladakh, Stakna Campus; Dr Khursheed Ahmad Dar of SKUAST; Dr Ronnie Lamb, who joined online; and Dr Rashmi Singh, who spoke on the International Year of Rangelands. Discussions highlighted sustainable livestock management, grassland conservation and scientific approaches to improving fibre productivity.
A session on “Yak and Sheep Wool: Fibre and Livelihoods” explored fibre characteristics, diverse applications and opportunities to strengthen sustainable livelihoods among pastoral communities.
Deliberations on spinning, weaving, testing and certification highlighted the role of modern technologies and scientific advancements in enhancing the quality and value of Ladakh Pashmina. R. Naresh, Founder and Managing Director of Shuttles & Needles Pvt. Ltd. and Ashford India distributor, shared insights into modern tools and techniques for value addition.
Experts from CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology and the Pashmina Certification Centre discussed scientific authentication, quality assurance, the evolution of certification systems and the importance of protecting Pashmina’s identity in domestic and international markets.
The session on “Cooperatives, Proof of Origin and Geographical Indication (GI)” brought together local entrepreneurs and experts to discuss traceability, certification and the role of cooperatives in safeguarding the identity of authentic Ladakh Pashmina. Discussions also covered the ‘Pashmina Mark’ initiative of the Textiles Committee and Central Wool Development Board, GI implementation and lessons from the branding of Kashmir Pashmina.
The deliberations emphasised the importance of strengthening producer collectives, establishing credible proof-of-origin mechanisms and ensuring that the benefits of authentic Pashmina reach the Changpa pastoralists, artisans and other stakeholders who sustain this traditional craft.
The afternoon session on “Branding, Packaging and Marketing” is focusing on strategies to position Ladakh Pashmina as a distinctive premium product. Karun Ahuja, Director, Ahujusons, is scheduled to speak on developing an umbrella brand for Ladakh Pashmina, while Prithvi Ranjan and Pragya Dubey of the National Institute of Design (NID) are scheduled to share perspectives on branding, packaging and storytelling. Ahmad Naqush is also scheduled to discuss the legacy of Pashmina and its contemporary market potential. The ongoing conclave continues to provide a platform for collaboration among government departments, scientific institutions, industry experts, cooperatives and entrepreneurs, with a focus on integrating sustainable pastoralism, scientific research, quality assurance, GI protection, value addition and market development to strengthen the livelihoods of Ladakh’s Pashmina-producing communities and enhance the global recognition of Ladakh Pashmina.
Kargil: The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) today held a press conference in Kargil, expressing serious concern and disappointment over the lack of clarity regarding the meeting held with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on October 22, 2026, and the alleged failure to fulfil assurances made by the Ministry. During the press conference, KDA representatives stated that there had been no clear information or satisfactory outcome communicated regarding the October 22 meeting with the MHA. They also expressed disappointment over what they described as the failure of the Ministry to honour its earlier commitments and assurances. The Alliance emphasized that the people of Ladakh have been waiting for meaningful progress on their long-pending demands and legitimate rights. It stressed that the assurances given by the authorities must be translated into concrete action rather than remaining unfulfilled promises. KDA further warned that if the present situation continues and the concerns of the people remain unaddressed, the Kargil Democratic Alliance, along with the Apex Body Leh, may be compelled to launch democratic protests and take to the streets to press for their legitimate demands. The representatives asserted that the Alliance would continue its struggle through democratic and peaceful means to safeguard the constitutional and legal rights of the people of Ladakh. They also indicated that stronger forms of public agitation, including a shutdown if necessary, could be considered should the authorities fail to respond positively. The Kargil Democratic Alliance reiterated its commitment to pursuing the people's demands and urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to fulfil its assurances and take concrete steps towards resolving the outstanding issues. The Alliance maintained that it would not abandon its struggle for the legitimate rights and aspirations of the people of Ladakh and would continue to raise its voice until meaningful progress is achieved.
Skarma Namtak demands representation for all eight districts, more LAHDC constituencies in remote regions and district status for Durbuk LEH: Voice of Buddhist Ladakh (VBL) has called for the immediate reconstitution of Ladakh’s High Powered Committee (HPC) with democratically elected representatives from all eight districts, asserting that the region’s diverse geographical, developmental and community concerns must receive fair and balanced representation in discussions with the Central Government. Addressing a press conference, Convenor Skarma Namtak, flanked by other leaders of the organisation, outlined VBL’s major demands concerning Ladakh’s political representation, administrative arrangements and regional development. The organisation has also strongly opposed the proposal to shift the Union Territory headquarters and High Court Bench between Leh and Kargil on a rotational basis, sought an increase in LAHDC constituencies in Sham, Nubra and Zanskar, and demanded the creation of a separate district for Durbuk. The demands have been formally submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah through a memorandum dated October 24, 2026, with copies forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary of Ladakh for information and necessary action. Making a strong case for restructuring the HPC, Namtak said the existing committee was constituted in 2020, before the creation of the new districts, and no longer adequately reflects Ladakh’s present administrative and geographical realities. According to the memorandum, the present HPC, which includes representatives of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), is not a democratically elected body representing all regions of Ladakh. VBL has alleged that the existing arrangement has failed to facilitate consensus and, instead, has allowed the interests of particular regions, communities and political parties to dominate discussions. The organisation maintained that negotiations concerning Ladakh’s future must not be confined to a limited set of representatives or organisations. With the creation of additional districts, it argued, the administrative and political landscape has changed substantially, necessitating a fresh and more inclusive arrangement. VBL has urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to reconstitute the HPC by ensuring democratically elected representation from all eight districts so that every region and community can place its concerns and aspirations before the committee. Namtak’s demand comes amid continuing discussions over constitutional safeguards, political representation and the future administrative framework of Ladakh. VBL has emphasised that a credible negotiating mechanism must command wider regional representation and ensure that decisions are not perceived as favouring particular interests. Raising the issue of representation in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs), VBL has demanded an increase in the number of constituencies in Sham, Nubra and Zanskar. The organisation cited the vast geographical spread of these regions, difficult terrain, scattered populations and distinct developmental requirements as reasons for a more balanced distribution of elected representatives. According to VBL, the present distribution of constituencies needs to be examined to determine whether it adequately reflects the ground realities of remote and geographically challenging areas. The organisation argued that effective democratic representation is particularly important in regions where residents face considerable distances, difficult travel conditions and limited access to administrative centres. An appropriate increase in constituencies, it said, would improve administrative accessibility and enable elected representatives to respond more effectively to local requirements. VBL has called upon the authorities to review the existing constituency distribution and take corrective measures to ensure that remote regions receive representation proportionate to their geographical and developmental needs. One of the most contentious issues raised by VBL is its categorical opposition to the proposal, reportedly advanced by some leaders from Kargil, to shift the Union Territory headquarters and High Court Bench between Leh and Kargil on a rotational basis. …
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