The two-day Pashmina Conclave 2026, themed “From Changthang Fibre to Global Luxury Standards,” commenced at The Dragon Hotel in Leh on February 24.

Organised by the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh, the conclave aims to strengthen the Pashmina value chain and position Ladakh’s premium fibre in the global luxury market.

The event has brought together designers from Delhi and Ladakh, local weavers, yarn makers, entrepreneurs, cooperative representatives, policymakers, and herders of the famed Changthang Pashmina goat from the Changthang region. The platform seeks to foster collaboration among stakeholders involved in the production, processing, branding, and marketing of Ladakh’s world-renowned Pashmina.

The first session centred on the origin and sustainability of Changthang fibre.

Dr. Asif Hussain, Nodal Officer, Pashmina Ladakh, elaborated on the origins of Ladakh Pashmina and emphasised sustainable practices to preserve its unique quality and global reputation.

Thinles Nurboo, General Secretary of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society Ltd., highlighted the key features of Ladakh Pashmina and outlined the society’s mission, strategic objectives, and milestones in driving socio-economic transformation among pastoral communities.

Tara Sharma of Jungwa Foundation provided a historical overview of Pashmina in Changthang and discussed the impact of climate change, stressing the need for sustainable and climate-resilient production approaches.

The second session focused on processing, purity, quality grading, and standardisation gaps in the Pashmina value chain.

Huma Khan, District Registrar of Cooperatives (DRC), addressed challenges related to quality control and grading mechanisms, underscoring the need for standardised practices to enhance market credibility.

Amina Bano of Looms of Ladakh spoke on value addition through traditional weaving and emphasised maintaining authenticity in finished Pashmina products.

Konchok Stanzin of Pangong Craft Institute highlighted the welfare of Pashmina growers and sustainable livestock management in Changthang, drawing a direct link between animal health and fibre quality.

The third session addressed artisan livelihoods and design integration.

Tundup Wangail, District Development Council (DDC) member and representative of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, shared insights into NABARD’s role in promoting and sustaining the Pashmina sector through financial inclusion, institutional support, and livelihood initiatives.

Rigzin Wangmo Lachic, a Ladakh-based entrepreneur, highlighted the contribution of local growers and entrepreneurs in sustaining the heritage craft while adapting to contemporary market demands.

Tashi Dorjey of Oden Collectives elaborated on the importance of structured design processes, innovation, and integration to enhance product appeal and competitiveness.

In the concluding technical session, Dr. Stanzin Thakchos presented strategies on branding, market positioning, and value capture for Ladakh Pashmina.

He discussed emerging market trends, opportunities, key challenges, and factors shaping the future of the industry.

Local representatives Kunzes Wangmo of LehValle and Deskit Angmo of Coral Hue shared perspectives on brand building, market expansion, and strengthening Ladakh Pashmina’s value proposition in national and international markets.

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, highlighted the Union Territory’s vision to transform its iconic Pashmina into a globally recognised luxury brand.

Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra emphasised the need to unite stakeholders—from herders and designers to government agencies—to safeguard Ladakh’s Pashmina value chain. Noting that Ladakh produces 40–50 tonnes annually, he observed that much of the profit currently flows to traders outside the region. He stressed adopting a holistic approach to enable local production of luxury cashmere shawls, attract younger generations, and position Pashmina as a high-end global product benefiting all stakeholders.

Secretary, Cooperatives, Bhupesh Chaudhary highlighted the department’s role in addressing sectoral challenges, including climate change, and advocated collective approaches such as cooperative farming, drawing lessons from models like Amul.

Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Moses Kunzang, spoke about the Pashmina Matrix adopted by the Department of Industries and Commerce, emphasising inter-departmental collaboration and targeted interventions.

Secretary, Rural Development Department, Shashanka Ala summarised the sessions, covering fibre sustainability, processing and purity, grading gaps, artisan livelihoods, design relevance, and branding strategies.

The conclave witnessed participation from Central Government bodies, including the Central Wool Development Board and the Textile Committee under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Officials from the Departments of Industries & Commerce, Sheep/Animal Husbandry, Handloom & Handicrafts, Rural Development, and Social & Tribal Welfare were also present.

Prominent fashion industry leaders—including Samir Mehra (Founder, EZMA), Suket Dhir (SUKETDHIR), Rajesh Pratap Singh (Rajesh Pratap Singh Label), Kulbhushan Ahuja (Founder, Ahujasons), and Karan Ahuja (Director, Ahujasons)—joined shepherds, artisans, self-help groups, cooperatives, financial institutions, researchers, and government officials to chart a sustainable and inclusive roadmap for the sector.

The two-day conclave is expected to lay a strong foundation for positioning Changthang Pashmina as a sustainable, premium, and globally competitive luxury fibre while ensuring inclusive growth for Ladakh’s pastoral and artisan communities.