New Delhi, Mar 12 (KNN)The Ministry of Textiles has launched a major programme for the development of Pashmina and its developers in the Ladakh region during the 12th Five Year Plan. 
Assistance would include setting up of Pashmina Goat Pens for protecting flocks and providing portable tents, snow-boots, torch and goggles, according to an official statement.
The move follows the recent unprecedented snowfall in the Changthang region last winter which left twenty 2000 goats dead.   Last year, the Ministry of Textiles had earmarked funds for feed supplement and extended coverage period from 90 to 150 days to save Pashmina goats during exigencies.
The timely sanction of funds for purchase of feed and fodder under the Nutrient Supplement Scheme of the Integrated Wasteland Development Project (IWDP) for pregnant and weak goats during the year 2012-13 in favour of the nomadic people of Changthang region had helped save lakhs of livestock from starvation in normal weather conditions.
However, the recent unprecedented snowfall has taken a heavy toll on the livestock.
Pashmina, internationally known as “Cashmere” a fine luxury fibre is being produced from Changthang goats bred in the Ladakh region of India.  Pashmina producing goats are of great importance for revitalizing the economy of the poverty stricken region of Changthang and the Leh district of Ladakh.Ladakh produces more than 80 per cent of the total Pashmina yield of the country.
The ministry has adopted a participatory approach involving all stake holders including the end beneficiaries to implement sustainable development of Pashmina farmers and enhance Pashmina production to take care of such natural calamities in future.
“Livelihood of Pashmina farmers and avoiding disruption of economic activity in this important region is one of our foremost priorities,” said the Union Minister of Commerce Industry and Textiles Anand Sharma today.
The plan envisages a new Pashmina Wool Development Scheme with a special package and a financial allocation of Rs 41.21 crore. 
In addition to protection measures, the main components of the scheme are assistance for foundation stock in new areas for Pashmina rearing activities, health coverage and feed supplement, strengthening of existing fodder bank of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) and pashmina goat breeding farm, establishment of multipurpose extension centre and pasture farm on migratory routes, training programme, breeder orientation training camp and research and development. (KNN/Gunj)