Empowering Women of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand's rugged terrain and erratic weather patterns make farming difficult, especially for women who confront intersecting barriers of caste and gender discrimination.
Despite their crucial role in agriculture, their challenges often go unnoticed, exacerbating the impacts of climate change.
This underscores the urgent need for targeted support and recognition of their resilience in sustaining agricultural livelihoods amidst adversity.
challenges faced
Limited resources challenge women farmers in Uttarakhand, who farm alone as men seek work elsewhere. Scattered farmlands and sparse populations worsen the situation.
Socio-economic constraints burden women farmers, lacking land ownership and access to capital. They struggle to get fair prices for their crops due to market knowledge gaps.
Climate change impacts Uttarakhand's rainfed agriculture, exacerbating floods, droughts, and forest fires. Tourism adds pressure through land acquisition and ecological disruption.
At Nirvana Organic, we recognize these challenges and offer training to adapt to changing weather patterns, conserve resources, and promote organic farming practices.
How OCS Foundation Helps:
The OCS Foundation (One Consciousness Society) intervened to help us. They encouraged self-help groups to create a small pool of resources with training and self-reliance models. They stepped in with an amazing idea to transform the surplus produce into delectable treats everyone can enjoy!
The idea of jams, preserves, squashes, cider vinegar, etc germinated from here. The OCS Foundation team and volunteers joined hands and we also involved a few women farmers as part of the core team.
Through our collaboration, we've not only reduced waste but also empowered local communities, paving the path for a sustainable future rooted in ingenuity and collaboration.
Way Forward
Nirvana Organic is committed to empowering women farmers and artisans in Uttarakhand while promoting eco-friendly practices and preserving local culture. Currently working with 2,000 women, our goal is to reach 10,000 by 2026, creating a network of empowered individuals contributing to organic farming.
Expansion: With 8 stores now, we plan to expand to 20 by 2026, attracting tourists to Uttarakhand and supporting local communities.
Income Growth: We aim to double the monthly income of women farmers and artisans, providing them with financial independence and brighter futures.
Waste Reduction: By tripling our production capacity, we minimize waste by converting excess crops into long-lasting products, ensuring maximum value