ISLAMABAD, March 18 (ABC): A major initiative aims to transform livestock fibre into high-value products. As a result, it will accelerate rural industrialisation in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). It will also open new income streams for farmers and artisans.
The project, titled “Value Added Livestock Products (Wool, Hair and Mohair) for Rural Industrialisation of Pakistan (GB and AJK),” carries a total cost of Rs300 million. It will run for three years from July 2026 to June 2029. It will cover all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Neelum Valley in Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the project focuses on value addition, productivity enhancement and modernisation of the fibre value chain. It will organise the entire chain from raw material collection to finished products. Therefore, it aims to increase farmers’ incomes by 15-20% through better processing and improved market access.
Infrastructure development and processing units
Under the initiative, authorities will establish 35 raw material collection units, including 30 in GB and five in AJK. In addition, cleaning and spinning units will be set up. Each GB district will get one unit, while Neelum Valley will also have one.
Moreover, four weaving and four stitching centres will be developed in GB and AJK. These centres will promote local craftsmanship and improve product finishing.
Institutional support and community role
The project also plans to register and operationalise the Yak Dwellers Association. This step will strengthen institutional capacity and improve linkages with international yak networks. At the same time, community ownership of units will ensure sustainability and inclusive growth.
Furthermore, tourism-oriented display and marketing centres will be created. These centres will enhance product visibility and boost sales. Linkages with tourism markets and private-sector buyers will also generate revenue.
Capacity building and livestock health
Capacity-building programmes will train farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs. These programmes will improve production techniques and business skills. In addition, authorities plan vaccination and deworming of 25,000 animals to enhance fibre quality.
Alignment with national priorities
The project aligns with the 5Es Framework, the 13th Five-Year Plan and the National Agriculture Innovation and Growth Project (NAIGP). It supports livestock value addition, rural enterprise development and sustainable livestock management.
By promoting niche fibre products and small-scale industry, the initiative will utilise underused livestock resources. Consequently, it will help build a structured rural industrial value chain in GB and AJK.
With modest federal investment, the project is expected to create jobs, strengthen local enterprises and support sustainable rural industrialisation.