DC Changthang launches Pashmina skill training, GI registration drive at Nyoma

NYOMA: Deputy Commissioner Changthang Nitish Rajora on Sunday said concerted efforts are being made to strengthen the Pashmina ecosystem by preserving traditional skills, improving livelihood opportunities and ensuring formal recognition for genuine herders under the Geographical Indications (GI) framework.

Rajora made the remarks while inaugurating two initiatives at Nyoma — a 15-day Short-Term Skill Upgradation Training Programme in spinning and weaving and a month-long Pashmina Authorised User Registration Drive.

The initiatives have been launched in coordination with the Departments of Cooperatives, Handlooms & Handicrafts and Animal Husbandry, with the focus on strengthening traditional skills and improving value addition in the Pashmina and handloom value chain.

The skill training programme will be conducted from August 16 to 31 at four identified centres across Changthang and Nyoma.

Weaving training is being conducted at Durbuk Community Hall and Tangtse Community Hall, while spinning sessions are being held at Chushool Common Facility Centre and the Training Centre at Nyoma.

The programme aims to improve participants’ proficiency in spinning and weaving and strengthen livelihood opportunities linked to traditional Pashmina-related activities.

The second initiative involves facilitating Pashmina herders in applying for Authorised User registration under the GI framework.

The Departments of Cooperatives and Handlooms & Handicrafts, in coordination with the Department of Animal Husbandry, are assisting eligible herders with the application process. The applications will subsequently be processed and forwarded to the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, for consideration and issuance of Authorised User Certificates to eligible applicants.

The registration initiative is aimed at providing formal recognition to genuine Pashmina herders while strengthening the authenticity, traceability and identity of Ladakh Pashmina.

Officials said the registration process is being taken directly to Pashmina-producing communities to make it easier for eligible herders to submit their applications. Herders have been urged to participate in the drive and avail themselves of the facilitation being provided by the departments.

Rajora appreciated the coordinated efforts of the Departments of Cooperatives, Handlooms & Handicrafts and Animal Husbandry, and stressed the need to preserve traditional skills while ensuring greater institutional recognition and livelihood opportunities for communities dependent on Pashmina production.

The two initiatives are intended to strengthen the Pashmina value chain in Changthang by combining skill development at the community level with formal GI-based recognition of genuine producers.