LG Vinai Kumar Saxena highlights Ladakh’s potential as a global Pashmina hub, focusing on value addition, branding, and tourism integration.
April 26, 2026: Leh has the potential to emerge as a global hub for premium Pashmina wool, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said during his visit to the Pashmina Goat Farm in Upshi. Emphasising the need for better market access and value addition, he highlighted the importance of boosting returns for local farmers and artisans. The administration, he said, is committed to promoting Ladakhi Pashmina as a globally recognised brand.
Saxena stressed improving processing techniques, branding strategies, and design innovation to enhance the value of Pashmina products. He also called for minimising wastage of raw wool and utilising by-products effectively. Officials informed him that Ladakh produces some of the finest Pashmina in the world, with fibre thickness ranging between 13 and 15 microns, and even finer in baby goats. The Upshi farm alone produces around 150 kg of raw Pashmina annually, which is processed at a dehairing facility in Leh.
Highlighting tourism potential, Saxena suggested integrating the farm into Ladakh’s tourism circuit and developing it as an educational destination. He proposed guided tours and visitor-friendly facilities to promote awareness about authentic Pashmina and counter misinformation in the market. The LG also reviewed livestock and fodder development initiatives during visits to other regional farms, underlining a broader push to strengthen the local economy.