Pashmina Wool Bank in Kashmir to boost socio-economic conditions
10 April 2023, Mumbai
The Government of India's Central Wool Development Board is planning to establish a Pashmina Wool Bank in Kashmir, aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the Changthang community, which relies on the production of Pashmina wool.
The Director of Handicrafts and Handloom in Kashmir held a meeting to discuss the implementation of the Pashmina Wool Development Scheme (PWDS) and to ensure that the proposed Pashmina Wool Bank will provide certified/graded Pashmina wool for weavers and artisans in the region.
The Pashmina Wool Bank is expected to create a more competitive Pashmina wool sector by procuring bulk raw Pashmina wool at suitable prices or MSP from Changthang communities, as well as by providing critical marketing support to stakeholders involved in the production and processing of Pashmina fiber.
The department is exploring possible areas for private-public partnerships with major stakeholders to ensure a result-oriented output while preserving the ancient craft of Pashmina production.
The initiative recognizes the economic and cultural importance of Pashmina in providing livelihood opportunities to breeders, artisans, and traders across Kashmir and Ladakh regions.
