On 5 July 2026 the Ladakh Pashmina Development Board approved two initiatives to support Changpa herders and strengthen the Ladakh Pashmina value chain.
Approved initiatives
- Livestock Development Incentive Programme: 25% top-up on total raw Pashmina procurement value. Payment via Direct Benefit Transfer to Aadhaar‑linked bank accounts.
- Incentive allocation: 60% for livestock improvement and scientific breeding, 20% for infrastructure (eg improved combing equipment), 20% for household needs.
- Revolving fund for ACPGCMS: ₹8 crore earmarked to All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society Ltd for direct procurement and upfront payments to nomadic herders.
- Payment mechanism: 50% of procurement price paid upfront; remaining balance within two months (previously 8–10 month delays).
Targets & production metrics
- Goat population target: Increase from ~2 lakh to 4 lakh within three years.
- Raw Pashmina yield target: Raise average yield from ~200 g/goat to ≥350 g/goat via breeding and improved tools.
Institutional & financial features
- ACPGCMS: Cooperative procurement model to centralise buying and ensure timely payments to nomadic herders.
- Revolving fund function: Recoveries reused for subsequent procurements to maintain liquidity for upfront payments.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Species linkage: Pashmina fibre originates from the Changthangi (Ladakhi) goat.
- DBT mechanism: Direct Benefit Transfer requires Aadhaar‑seeded bank accounts for eligibility.
- Key exam numbers: 25% top-up; ₹8 crore fund; 2→4 lakh goats in 3 years; 200 g→350 g yield.