"We are collecting 800 samples of wool extracted from mountain goats being reared in Lomanthang, Loghekar Damodarkunda, Waragung Muktichhetra and Gharpajhong Rural Municipalities", he said, adding sample wool would be taken out from mountain goats of different colour, age and species reared by 160 farmers of the four rural municipalities.
Nine trained professionals have been mobilized to extract wool from mountain goats in the presence of the representatives from the Association, NARC and international trade center. "The quality of Pashmina affects its market price", said Sichan Shrestha, specialist of International Trade Centre, adding, "There may be variation in the quality of wool of Mustang. The quality testing would help develop the breed of mountain goats, carry out research in the field and expand international marketing of wool. The wool sample collection being done in Mustang for the first time would help spell out the quality of pashmina obtained from mountain goats; it is claimed. "Pashmina obtained from Chyangra is considered to be of good quality. But official study was not undertaken taking this aspect into consideration", NARC official said. "This would help design a breed development program based on the research", the official added. As many as 52,00 mountain goats are being reared in Mustang.
