Associated News Bureau

Changthang Pashmina Gets Fresh Push as Skill Training and GI Registration Drive Launched in Nyoma

Nyoma, Changthang, August 16, 2026: Two major initiatives aimed at empowering Pashmina herders, upgrading traditional skills and strengthening the heritage and value chain of Ladakh’s famed Pashmina sector were launched at Nyoma on Sunday. The initiatives were inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, Nitish Rajora, IAS, in the presence of officials and representatives of the Departments of Cooperatives, Handlooms & Handicrafts, and Animal Husbandry. The first initiative is a 15-day Short-Term Skill Upgradation Training Programme in spinning and weaving, being conducted from August 16 to 31. The programme is being implemented by the Department of Handlooms & Handicrafts in coordination with the Departments of Cooperatives and Animal Husbandry, with the objective of strengthening traditional skills and expanding livelihood opportunities for local communities. Training is being conducted at four identified centres in the Changthang-Nyoma region, including the Durbuk Community Hall and Tangtse Community Hall for weaving, Chushool Common Facility Centre for spinning, and the Training Centre at Nyoma. The programme focuses on enhancing participants’ expertise in spinning and weaving while promoting value addition across the Pashmina and handloom value chain. The second initiative is a month-long Pashmina Authorised User Registration Drive, jointly facilitated by the Departments of Cooperatives and Handlooms & Handicrafts in coordination with the Department of Animal Husbandry. Under the initiative, eligible Pashmina herders are being assisted in filing applications for Authorised User registration under the Geographical Indications (GI) framework. 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 drive is intended to provide formal recognition to genuine Pashmina herders while strengthening the authenticity, traceability and identity of Ladakh Pashmina under the GI framework. To make the process accessible, the registration initiative is being taken directly to Pashmina-producing communities. The departments have urged all eligible herders to participate in the drive and avail themselves of the facilitation being provided for registration. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Nitish Rajora appreciated the coordinated efforts of the three departments towards strengthening the Pashmina ecosystem. He underscored the importance of preserving traditional skills while ensuring institutional recognition and improved livelihood opportunities for communities whose livelihoods are closely associated with Pashmina production. The twin initiatives reaffirm the Administration’s focus on empowering Pashmina herders, preserving traditional craftsmanship, expanding GI-based recognition and strengthening the Pashmina value chain across Changthang. ANB