Kashmir’s Pashmina finds a shield against adulteration with a new lab at SKUAST-K
Srinagar, Sep 10: For centuries, Kashmir’s Pashmina has been celebrated across the world for its unmatched fineness. But in recent years, the prized fibre has struggled with adulteration and a loss of trust in global markets. On Wednesday, the government unveiled what it hopes will be a shield for the centuries-old craft—a modern Animal Fibre Quality Assurance Laboratory at SKUAST-Kashmir’s Shuhama campus.
Union Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao inaugurated the facility, calling it a game-changer for the Valley’s craft industry.
She said the laboratory will not only protect the interests of consumers and traders but also strengthen the international reputation of Kashmir’s Pashmina, adding that the Ministry of Textiles will extend full support to the development of the wool sector.
Rao announced that the ministry is working on a smarter certification and coding system to ensure every Pashmina product is traceable. Within two to three years, she said, reliable data will be available on the number of genuine products entering the market. She added that the ministry will coordinate with Customs, the Bureau of Indian Standards, and the Ministry of Environment and Forests to evolve a balanced framework that safeguards both the industry and animal welfare.
She stressed the need to expand testing facilities within production zones to reduce logistical hurdles. “We do not want your products to travel to Dehradun, Delhi or Hong Kong for testing. The capacity of existing labs will be enhanced and, if needed, more laboratories will be established with additional funding,” Rao announced.
On branding, she said the ministry is working on a unified identity for Pashmina under the “Bharat Ka Fabric” campaign, which will integrate GI tagging and certification under a single label to avoid duplication. “Pashmina is not just a Kashmir story, it is India’s story. We will promote it globally through multi-forum branding, sourcing magazines and digital platforms,” she said.
Rao also stressed that government interventions must directly benefit artisans and weavers, who often receive only a fraction of the final market value. She called for mechanisms to protect livelihoods and ensure niche products remain niche, promoted as luxury items. “Upskilling must be continuous. If the artisan perishes, the art perishes,” she remarked.
The inauguration was followed by an exhibition of wool and Pashmina products from local entrepreneurs associated with SKUAST-K projects, highlighting both the commercial and cultural significance of the craft. A stakeholder meet later brought together industry representatives including Javid Ahmad Tenga, President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mubashir Ahmad of the Kashmir Pashmina Organisation. Issues related to certification, branding, and market access dominated the discussion. Rao assured participants that their concerns would be addressed in a time-bound manner.
SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir A Ganai said the lab reflects the university’s vision of blending science with heritage and would evolve into a Centre of Excellence. The event concluded with the release of research reports from the university’s Livestock Products Technology division, the host of the new facility.
