Ladakh Showcases Premium Pashmina at Srinagar Buyer–Seller Meet to Strengthen Direct Market Linkages
Srinagar, Aug 1 (ANB): The Cooperatives Department, Union Territory of Ladakh, in collaboration with the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Society Ltd. and J&K Bank, organised a Buyer–Seller Meet in Srinagar to promote authentic Ladakh Pashmina and facilitate direct interaction between Pashmina herders and leading buyers, exporters, traders and business organisations.
Held at the DIPR Auditorium, the programme aimed at ensuring better price realisation for Changthang Pashmina herders by reducing the role of intermediaries and strengthening sustainable market linkages through the cooperative movement.
Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, Nitish Rajora, IAS, who was the chief guest, highlighted the strategic importance of Changthang, home to nearly 1.84 lakh Changra goats, and underscored the global recognition of Ladakh Pashmina for its exceptional quality. He said cooperative societies play a pivotal role in empowering nomadic herders through improved market access, fair remuneration and preservation of the authenticity of Ladakh Pashmina.
The event was attended by Secretary of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Society Ltd., Thinles; representatives of J&K Bank, the Cooperatives Department and the District Administration, Changthang, besides cooperative members, artisans, weavers and media personnel.
More than 100 buyers, exporters, traders, entrepreneurs and representatives of leading business organisations from Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the country participated in the meet. The event served as a platform for direct business engagement, enabling discussions on product quality, pricing, long-term procurement strategies and evolving market requirements.
Among the prominent participants were A.P. Vicky Shaw, Chairman, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Kashmir; Iqram Ali Shafiee, Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), J&K; Javed Ahmad Tenga, President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI); Mubashir Ahmad, President, Kashmir Pashmina Welfare Trust; Mohd. Rafiq Sofi, President, Tahafuz Society; and Muzaffar, Zonal Head, Srinagar, J&K Bank. They interacted with cooperative members and explored opportunities for long-term collaboration.
During the programme, members of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Society Ltd. showcased authentic Ladakh Pashmina and value-added products, providing buyers with first-hand insight into production techniques, quality standards and the distinctive characteristics of the region's renowned fibre. The interaction also enabled herders to better understand market expectations.
Officials informed the gathering that a dedicated digital platform and mobile application for Pashmina growers, artisans and cooperative members would be developed to facilitate digital payments, improve access to government schemes, provide real-time market information and establish direct producer-to-buyer linkages.
An interactive session focused on quality assurance, branding, GI certification, value addition, digital marketing and expanding domestic as well as international market opportunities for Ladakh Pashmina.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Deputy Registrar Cooperatives, Sachin Bali, who expressed gratitude to all participants and stakeholders for contributing to the success of the event.
The Cooperatives Department, UT Ladakh, reaffirmed its commitment to organising similar Buyer–Seller Meets to strengthen direct market access, promote authentic Ladakh Pashmina, empower cooperative societies and ensure that the benefits of value addition reach the Changthang Pashmina herding community. ANB
