Himachal plans to double pashmina output in 5 years

Shimla : The Himachal Pradesh Government is trying to boost pashmina wool production.Currently the state records about 1000 kg pashmina wool annually but aims to double this in the next 5 years.

The Government will distribute around 638 goats of  Chanthangi and Chegu breeds to BPL families in pashmina producing snow bound areas of the state under centrally sponsored National Livestock Mission.

 Under the mission  29 units (10 Doe +1 Buck in each unit ) of Chanthangi goats and 29 units (10 Doe +1 Buck in each unit ) of Chegu goats  will be distributed to the BPL families in Lahaul Spiti ,Pangi Valley and Kinnaur districts. Each unit will cost around Rs 70,000 to government agencies.

Ninety percent cost of the goats will be borne by Central Government while State Government and individual beneficiary will share  remaining ten percent cost in equal proportion.The tender process for distribution of goats has been completed and the live stock will be distributed to the targeted families during current financial year.

At present Pashmina is produced in Darcha, Yochi, Rarik-Chika villages and Mayar in Lahaul valley besides Kibber, Langza region, Hangang Valley in Spiti valley Nako, Namgya and Leo villages in Kinnaur District and certain areas in Pangi valley of Chamba District.

There are around ten organized  shawl manufacturing units working in the state which make products out of pashmina wool  and are situated in Rampur  Bushair of Shimla District, Sundernagar and Mandi of Mandi District, Shamshi and Hurla of Kullu District and Sangla and Rekong Peo of  Kinnaur District.

Around 90 percent Pashmina wool is used in apparels like Shawls, Stoles and Mufflers and 10 percent in other products including high end coat tweeds. Pashmina wool is mainly sold through retail selling and private buying by processors in the state .Predominantly white and natural grey colour Pashmina wool produced.

The pashmina producers are getting remunerative prices for Pashmina wool, at present the raw pashmina is Rs 3500 per kg.And the prices of this nobel fiber are showing increasing trend due to its unique quality and increasing demand of pashmina products in the domestic and international market.

In organized and un-organized sector around 12,000 artisans are working in the handloom sector in the hill state . Total goat population is about 2500.