Islamabad: A Rs300 million livestock fibre project has been planned to promote rural industrialisation in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), aiming to create new income opportunities for farmers and artisans through value-added production.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the three-year initiative titled “Value Added Livestock Products (Wool, Hair and Mohair) for Rural Industrialisation of Pakistan (GB and AJK)” will run from July 2026 to June 2029. It will be implemented across all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Neelum Valley in AJK.
The project focuses on improving the livestock fibre value chain by enhancing productivity, introducing modern processing techniques, and strengthening market access. Officials estimate that these measures could increase farmers’ incomes by 15 to 20 percent through better value addition and organised supply systems.
Infrastructure and value chain development
Under the plan, 35 raw material collection units will be established, including 30 in GB and five in AJK. Cleaning and spinning facilities will also be set up, with one unit in each district of GB and one in Neelum Valley.
Additionally, four weaving and four stitching centres will be created across both regions to support local craftsmanship and finishing of fibre products. The project also includes the registration of a Yak Dwellers Association to improve institutional coordination and linkages with international yak-related networks.
Community participation is a key component, with local ownership of collection and processing units aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability and inclusive growth.
Market access and capacity building
Tourism-linked display and marketing centres will be developed to promote finished products and connect producers with private buyers. These centres are expected to generate additional revenue through product sales and service charges.
The initiative also includes training programmes for farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs to improve technical skills and business capacity. To enhance fibre quality, vaccination and deworming of around 25,000 animals are planned.
Aligned with national development frameworks, including the 5Es Framework and the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Project (NAIGP), the project aims to strengthen rural enterprises and support sustainable livestock management.
Officials say the initiative is expected to generate employment, improve local industries, and transform underutilised livestock resources into a structured rural economy in GB and AJK.
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