A one-day “Chintan Shivir on Challenges, Opportunities and Future Prospects of the Indian Wool Sector” was organised by the Central Wool Development Board (CWDB), Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with ICAR–Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI) today at Avikanagar in Rajasthan. The programme was presided over by Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary( Textiles), as the Chief Guest.Smt. Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles  graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

The Chintan Shivir witnessed wide participation from officials of Government of India departments related to the wool sector and representatives from State Governments, including Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab. Representatives from other stakeholder organisations such as the Textile Committee, research institutions, academic institutions, industries, start-ups, and non-governmental organisations also actively participated and contributed to the deliberations.

Four technical sessions were conducted during the Chintan Shivir, wherein expert panels deliberated on key themes including sheep rearing, wool production, wool pre-processing, research and development, sustainability, value addition, Common Facility Centres (CFCs), value chain strengthening, and marketing and branding of wool and wool products. Detailed discussions were held on current challenges, available opportunities, and future strategies and action plans.

Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, (Textiles), while summarising the key recommendations emerging from the deliberations, outlined the way forward for the holistic development of the Indian wool sector. She emphasised that R&D work must be done keeping in focus the economics  of wool production and processing. She mentioned that the role of collectives is extremely important in the wool sector and through public-private initiatives they should be encouraged to boost the wool sector.

In her keynote address, Smt. Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary, (Textiles), stressed the importance of treating wool production, processing, product development, and promotion as an integrated value chain. She underscored the need for end-to-end analysis and strategic interventions to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the wool sector.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Rudra Gaur, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry, Leh–Ladakh, highlighted region-specific challenges faced by the wool sector in Ladakh. He emphasised the need to develop the wool sector on par with other agricultural commodities and advocated the creation of a dedicated institutional mechanism focused exclusively on wool sector development.

Major outcomes of the Chintan Shivir included pathbreaking recommendations on strengthening the entire wool value chain including pre-processing activities such as collection, grading, and scouring; establishment of a Centre of Excellence for branding; creation of strategically located CFCs based on economic analysis; branding of Indian wool and wool products; and strengthening research and development initiatives.

Dr. Arun Kumar Tomar, Director, ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar, warmly welcomed all dignitaries by presenting wool products developed by the institute. He briefed the guests on the institute’s research and development initiatives in the areas of wool production and advanced woollen technologies. Shri Gopal Singh Bhati, Executive Director, Central Wool Development Board, Jodhpur, outlined the objectives of the Chintan Shivir and highlighted the various initiatives being undertaken by CWDB for the welfare and upliftment of sheep farmers across the country.

A technology exhibition was organised alongside the Chintan Shivir, showcasing different breeds of sheep and rabbits, apparel-grade wool products, technical textile products made from coarse wool, and innovations developed by various research organisations. Several start-ups also displayed their products and technologies. The dignitaries visited the exhibition, textile unit, agribusiness incubation center at ICAR-CSWRI

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