An Empirical Study on the Challenges Faced by Sheep Owners in Sheep Wool Processing and Value Addition in Himachal Pradesh

Wool processing and value addition play a critical role in enhancing the income, employment, and livelihood security of sheep-rearing households, particularly in hilly and pastoral regions of India. Despite its potential, sheep owners continue to face multiple challenges that limit effective wool processing and value realisation. The present study aims to identify the key dimensions of challenges faced by sheep owners in sheep wool processing and value addition in Himachal Pradesh. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 440 sheep owners across the Chamba and Kangra districts, and the responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. The results reveal seven major challenge dimensions encompassing climatic and environmental stress, disruption of pastoral routes and grazing resources, disease-related issues, transportation and logistics constraints, socio-cultural barriers, living and occupational vulnerabilities, and extreme weather events. These factors together explain a substantial proportion of the total variance, highlighting the multidimensional nature of constraints in wool processing. The findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions, improved processing infrastructure, skill development and training programmes, and stronger institutional and market linkages to promote wool value addition and enhance the economic resilience of sheep owners in hilly regions.