Kumaun Grameen Udyog

Kumaun Grameen Udyog (KGU) is a social enterprise that works on supporting sustainable livelihoods in rural Kumaun in the Uttarakhand Himalayas in India. The organization currently works with close to 600 farmers and over 400 artisans, most of whom are women. Kumaun Grameen Udyog’s products include crafts and agri-produce. In the crafts department, KGU produces hand-woven and hand-knitted items, and KGU’s agri-products include jams, chutneys, herbs, local grains, and cold-pressed oils and scrubs.

The livelihoods initiative follows a two-pronged approach:

• Utilize local resources, such as regional herbs and fruits, to supplement the incomes of families in the region; and
• Introduce new skill sets, such as weaving, to expand employment opportunities for the local community.

This dual approach acknowledges that, while agriculture is a significant aspect of the livelihoods of people in Kumaun, its high volatility necessitates alternative sources of income.