Ladakh’s Pashmina Gets Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Ladakh’s Pashmina Gets Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Ladakh’s Pashmina Gets Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Key Highlights:

• Ladakh’s Pashmina wool receives Geographical Indication (GI) certification.
• Certification ensures authenticity, protecting artisans from counterfeit goods.
• UT Administration introduces initiatives to boost Pashmina production and quality.

The Geographical Indication (GI) registration for Pashmina wool is a significant milestone for Ladakh, ensuring only authentic products from the region carry the prestigious label. This certification safeguards the centuries-old tradition of Pashmina production, often referred to as Ladakh’s ‘soft gold’ for its unparalleled quality and rarity.

It also offers much-needed protection against counterfeit goods that have previously undermined the reputation of this exquisite fabric.

The registration ceremony, held at the Lt Governor’s Secretariat, was attended by officials from the Ministry of Textiles, Central Wool Development Board, and the local administration. Artisans, members of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and entrepreneurs also participated.

This event was celebrated as a turning point in preserving Ladakh’s cultural products, which include not only Pashmina but also sea buckthorn and apricots.

The GI certification marks a new chapter for Ladakh’s economy, particularly benefiting Pashmina herders and artisans. Lt Governor Mishra called it a “historic” achievement, ensuring the authenticity and quality of Pashmina products, previously tarnished by fake and inferior alternatives.

In addition, the UT Administration has introduced various initiatives to support Pashmina production. These include providing pens to reduce mortality rates among Pashmina goat kids, installing a Pashmina Dehairing Plant in Leh, establishing the Directorate of Sheep Husbandry, and planting fodder at Pang to secure winter feed.

The LG emphasized that the GI tag would complement ongoing efforts to improve the quality of Pashmina wool while encouraging Ladakhi youth to continue the traditional practice of goat herding.