Ladakh Lt Governor VK Saxena Disburses ₹1.10 Crore To Pashmina Herders

Ladakh Lt Governor VK Saxena on Sunday disbursed ₹1.10 crore to more than 1,200 Pashmina goat herders as a production-based incentive. This initiative is a milestone in strengthening the Pashmina sector and empowering nomadic herders.

The 25% production-based incentive was announced following the first meeting of the Ladakh Pashmina Development Board last month. Saxena attended the Changthang Nomadic Festival on the banks of Tso Moriri in Korzok, where he said the incentive would help increase the income of nomadic Pashmina herders and improve the profitability and sustainability of the sector.

The initiative has already led to higher collection of raw Pashmina, with 19 tonnes gathered till July this year, compared with 16 tonnes during the whole of 2025. Under the scheme, ₹1.10 crore was transferred through direct benefit transfer (DBT) to more than 1,200 Pashmina herders, mostly from Samad, Kharnak and Korzok villages in Changthang district.

Herders in Samad received around ₹44 lakh, while those in Kharnak and Korzok received ₹28 lakh and ₹23 lakh, respectively. Saxena said 60% of the incentive received by beneficiaries would be reinvested in scientific breeding of Pashmina goats, while 20% would go towards procuring modern combing equipment and other infrastructure.

The remaining 20% could be used by beneficiaries for household and personal needs, helping ensure their financial sustainability. The Lt Governor also announced that a revolving fund of ₹8 crore had been provided to the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Marketing Cooperative Society to ensure timely payments to growers for their produce.

Under the arrangement, 50% of the cost of Pashmina will be paid immediately to producers and the balance within two months, ending the payment delays of eight to 10 months that were prevalent earlier. Saxena urged herders to increase average fibre production from the current 200 grams per goat to at least 350 grams and to increase the Pashmina goat population from around 2 lakh to at least 4 lakh over the next three years through scientific breeding.

He stressed the need to improve the cleanliness and quality of raw Pashmina to minimise wastage and fetch better prices. The Lt Governor described Pashmina as a "timeless heritage" of Ladakh and its Changpa nomadic community, which has mastered goat rearing over centuries.

The community represents resilience, sustainability and harmonious coexistence with nature. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the livelihood of thousands of pastoral families in Ladakh. With this incentive, the Ladakh government aims to ensure that those who have preserved this heritage for generations receive a fair price for their produce.

The move is seen as a significant step towards strengthening the Pashmina sector and empowering nomadic herders in Ladakh. It is expected to contribute to the overall development of the region and improve the economic conditions of the local population.

In conclusion, the disbursement of ₹1.10 crore to Pashmina herders is a significant initiative that aims to strengthen the Pashmina sector and empower nomadic herders in Ladakh. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the livelihood of thousands of pastoral families in the region and contribute to the overall development of Ladakh.