Buyer-seller meet held in Srinagar to strengthen market for Ladakh Pashmina

Srinagar: The Cooperatives Department, Union Territory of Ladakh, on Friday organised a buyer-seller meet in Srinagar to facilitate direct interaction between Changthang Pashmina herders and buyers, exporters, traders and business organisations.
The event, held in collaboration with the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Society Ltd. and J&K Bank at the DIPR Auditorium, sought to improve market access for Pashmina growers by reducing the role of intermediaries and promoting direct trade.
Deputy Commissioner, Changthang, Nitish Rajora, who was the chief guest, said Changthang is home to nearly 1.84 lakh Changra goats and highlighted the global recognition of Ladakh Pashmina for its quality.
He said cooperative societies play an important role in improving market access for nomadic herders, ensuring better returns and preserving the authenticity of Ladakh Pashmina.
The programme was attended by Secretary of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Society Thinles, representatives of J&K Bank, the Cooperatives Department, district administration, artisans, weavers and cooperative members.
According to the organisers, more than 100 buyers, exporters, traders, entrepreneurs and representatives of business organisations from Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country participated in the event.
Representatives of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Kashmir Pashmina Welfare Trust, Tahafuz Society and J&K Bank also attended the meet.
Members of the cooperative society showcased raw Ladakh Pashmina and value-added products, while buyers and growers held discussions on quality, pricing, procurement and market requirements.
During the meeting, officials announced plans to develop a dedicated digital platform and mobile application for Pashmina growers, artisans and cooperative members to facilitate digital payments, access to government schemes, market information and direct links between producers and buyers.
An interactive session was also held on quality assurance, branding, Geographical Indication (GI) certification, value addition, digital marketing and expanding domestic and international markets for Ladakh Pashmina.
The Cooperatives Department said it would organise more such buyer-seller meets to strengthen market linkages, promote authentic Ladakh Pashmina and improve returns for Pashmina herders in Changthang.