KumaonKhand

Ensures fair living wage for producers

Discloses the community being impacted

Reduces the environmental impact

Focusses on women producers

Created using handcrafted methods

Reduces/Reuses/
Recycles resources

Avoids use of chemicals or toxic materials

Biodegradable or environment friendly

KumaonKhand weaves together the rich tapestry of India’s hemp ecosystem with the enchanting landscapes of the Kumaon region in the Indian Himalayas. The journey begins with the hemp seed, nurtured by pristine wilderness, and culminates in a seed-to-store story of exceptional products. Committed to adding value to Himalayan resources, KumaonKhand engages directly with local farmers, ensuring sustainable and ethical practices. Their in-house manufacturing unit exemplifies meticulous craftsmanship, producing innovative hemp-based products. KumaonKhand’s holistic approach integrates sustainability, community empowerment, and innovation, setting a new standard in India’s hemp sector. Through experiential initiatives, they highlight the potential of hemp while fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship. KumaonKhand stands as a beacon of excellence, transforming Himalayan resources into products that resonate with conscious consumers globally.

Purpose

KumaonKhand is cultivating a global hemp ecosystem in the Kumaon Himalayas by developing a network of micro-hubs and value-chain spokes for hemp seed and fiber. Integrating community knowledge with cost-effective, context-specific technology, they are crafting India’s unique hemp narrative. The story began when Pavitra returned to his roots in Almora. His grandfather had migrated to Delhi from a small village in Takula block a century ago in search of better opportunities. After completing his Master’s degree from TISS, Pavitra founded KumaonKhand in Kasar Devi in 2021. As a trained social entrepreneur, he envisioned fostering entrepreneurial spirit in the Indian Himalayas. Through this initiative, he aims to combine traditional wisdom with modern innovation, driving sustainable development and empowering local communities. This holistic approach positions KumaonKhand at the forefront of India’s hemp industry, creating a sustainable future while honoring its rich heritage.

People

KumaonKhand collaborates directly with over 500 women farmers from higher altitudes, with more than 70% from marginalized sections of society. They procure hemp seeds and fiber directly from farmers in Almora and Bageshwar, ensuring fair compensation, often paying in cash or through village aggregators. Over the past two years, they have tripled the seed procurement rates for their farmers. Additionally, KumaonKhand has supported four micro-entrepreneurs, sustaining two from Liti village, Bageshwar, and Sitlakhet, Almora. The organization frequently hosts and participates in Women’s Day events, led by team member Manju, providing a safe and engaging space for women farmers to connect and share experiences. Beyond seed procurement, KumaonKhand has increased value for farmers by purchasing hemp stalks, previously discarded, and paying extra for hemp fiber extraction and seed sorting and grading. This holistic approach significantly improves the livelihoods of their community, fostering sustainable development and empowerment.

Planet

KumaonKhand is dedicated to developing a carbon-negative model, utilizing hemp as a carbon sink that is four times more effective than forest areas. By restoring barren lands and reintroducing agriculture with hemp, they contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. Their hemp products are vegan and gluten-free, derived from local, indigenous, non-GMO seeds. Traditional agricultural practices are employed, ensuring that the cultivation process remains eco-friendly and culturally relevant. This approach not only enhances soil health and biodiversity but also supports local farmers by providing them with sustainable livelihoods. KumaonKhand's commitment to using hemp for ecological restoration and creating eco-conscious products exemplifies their holistic approach to sustainability and community empowerment. Their innovative practices position them at the forefront of environmental stewardship, showcasing the profound potential of hemp in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.