Question : Production of Pashmina

(a) whether the Union Government has launched any scheme to promote production of pashmina in Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir;

(b) if so, the details of the scheme along with its status of implementation;

(c) the number of villages covered under the said schemes along with the details of beneficiaries under the schemes;

(d) whether the Union Government proposes to include more villages and hamlets left uncovered in the Nomadic belt of Changthang and Durbuk (Lalog) areas of the State; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) & (b): Yes Madam. Government of India is implementing two schemes for promotion of pashmina in Ladakh region of J&K, viz.:-
1. Pashmina Wool Development Scheme (PWDS) is being implemented through Central Wool Development Board(CWDB), Jodhpur. Under this scheme a sum of Rs.14.13 crores has been released upto 2014-15. The components of the scheme are as under:-

(i) Distribution of high quality Pashmina buck for breed improvement;
(ii) Provision for foundation stock to expand pashmina rearing in non- traditional areas of Ladakh region;
(iii) Training programmes/Breeders orientation/Health camps;
(iv) Feed supplement to Pashmina goats;
(v) Providing portable tents, gumboots, torches, goggles, etc. to nomads rearing pashmina goats;
(vi) Up-gradation of Pashmina Dehairing Plant at Leh;

2. Pashmina Promotion Programme (P-3)(launched in 2013-14) is being implemented through Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh and Kargil. Under this scheme a sum of Rs.7.19 crores has been released till date. The components of the scheme are as under:-
(i) Creation of common pashmina facilitation center for wool testing;
(ii) Disease surveillance center;
(iii) Geographic information system lab;
(iv) Shelter for nomads;
(v) Distribution of portable electric unit for handloom spinning/weaving;
(vi) Solarized community centers;
(vii) Construction of open fodder enclosures;
(viii) Pashmina dehairing plant;
(ix) Distribution for foundation stock; and
(x) Shelter for housing of pashmina stock.

(c) to (e): A total of 33 villages have been covered, benefiting 700 families. It is proposed to cover 100 more families, left uncovered in the Nomadic belts in Ladakh region.
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