Vice President Visits Ladakhs Pashmina Farm and Indus Water Conservation Project, Praises Local Efforts

Leh, June 20: India’s Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan visited the Pashmina goat farm in Upshi and the first rock check dam on the Indus River during his tour of Ladakh. He highlighted both initiatives as significant steps towards sustainable development, livelihood enhancement, and natural resource conservation in the region.

After touring the Pashmina goat farm, the Vice President shared his experience on the social media platform ‘X’, stating that the efforts to preserve and promote Ladakh’s unique Pashmina heritage are truly inspiring. He noted that the Changthangi breed of goats and the world-renowned Pashmina wool they produce symbolize the rich cultural traditions and foresight of local communities.

He praised the farm’s role, emphasizing that it not only promotes sustainable livestock farming but also significantly contributes to the social and economic empowerment of local communities, especially women. He identified the active participation of women in Pashmina production and related activities as a crucial foundation for regional development.

The Vice President also commended the dedication of the scientists, staff, and local people associated with the farm. He remarked that their collective efforts are strengthening rural livelihoods, increasing employment and economic participation opportunities for women, and helping preserve the country’s invaluable cultural heritage.

During his visit, Radhakrishnan inspected the first rock check dam built on the Indus River in Upshi. This project was developed under the ‘Indus Water Prosperity Campaign.’ The Vice President praised this environmentally friendly and cost-effective initiative, describing it as an innovative effort in water conservation.

He stated, “Ladakh’s Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena planned and inaugurated this project last month as a new solution to the recurring water issues in Ladakh. This unique project raises the water level in the shallower parts of the Indus River, enabling farmers to irrigate their fields during the crucial sowing season. Such sustainable and locally adapted measures can significantly strengthen water security, assist livelihoods related to agriculture, and contribute to the long-term development of the region.”