The Sheep Husbandry Department, Kargil, officially launched the Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP) for 2025–26 under the aegis of the Central Wool Development Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in the Zanskar Subdivision on August 9.

The launch was marked by a grand Sheep Show-cum-Seminar, which drew over 250 sheep breeders, departmental officials, and public representatives, underscoring Zanskar’s deep-rooted connection to traditional sheep farming and wool production.

The event was inaugurated by Er. Punchok Tashi, Executive Councilor, LAHDC Kargil, as Chief Guest, with Dr. Iftikhar Hussain, Director, Sheep Husbandry Department UT Ladakh, as Guest of Honour, and Mohammad Hassan, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Zanskar, as Special Guest.

Dr. Zakir Hussain, Officer Incharge Pashmina Goat Farm Khangral, welcomed the guests with traditional khataks and badges. Dr. Niyaz Ul Hasnain, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, LAHDC Kargil, highlighted recent departmental initiatives, including the sanctioning of five community shelter sheds and five rarzis under the Special Development Package (SDP) in Zanskar.

The IWDP launch featured three key components:

1. Machine Sheep Shearing Training:
 Twenty local farmers received hands-on training in machine-based wool shearing to improve efficiency, hygiene, and wool quality, replacing traditional manual methods. The shift aims to increase productivity, reduce labour intensity, and minimise wool damage.

2. Distribution of Wool Processing Tools:
 The department distributed hand charkhas, pedal charkhas, and hand carders to promote home-based spinning and carding, especially among women and self-help groups, fostering grassroots entrepreneurship.

3. Recognition of Outstanding Breeders:
 Awards were presented to exemplary breeders for their dedication to livestock rearing, encouraging others to adopt best practices.

In his address, Er. Punchok Tashi lauded the department’s proactive outreach to remote areas like Zanskar and stressed integrating modern tools with traditional knowledge to enhance wool quality and market value. He assured full LAHDC support for developing the ancestral tradition of Nambu/Frug using scientific methods.

Dr. Iftikhar Hussain reaffirmed the department’s commitment to supporting farmers through technical training, infrastructure, and market linkages, promising more community shelter sheds and rarzis under the SDP.

Mohammad Hassan, SDM Zanskar, described the IWDP launch as a milestone in achieving self-reliant wool production, livestock development, and rural empowerment. He noted that the programme’s focus on technology, skills, and tools will have a lasting impact on income generation, employment, and the preservation of Ladakh’s rich wool heritage.