Livelihood Generation
Reviving Local Farming
In February 2024, the Hans Livelihood Project for reviving organic farming was launched in Uttarakhand. About 25 villages of the Ekeshwar block of Pauri district were part of the pilot initiative of HEAL in collaboration with The Hans Foundation (THF).
The Hans Foundation (THF) supported farmers with high-quality seeds for crops. Including, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic and pea. In addition to, providing valuable farming resources (such as, vermicompost pits, essential medicines and trainings at government institutes).
Shivansh Organic Fertilizer (Khaad) and Farming
In October 2023, the Shivansh organic fertilizer (khaad) and Sustainable Farming practices programme was launched by HEAL in collaboration with The Hans Foundation (THF). The initiative aims at supporting the use of organic fertilizers/manures (khaad) for vegetable cultivation, crop diversification, integrated farming systems and agricultural waste management. In an interactive session conducted by the THF expert, the process of making of Shivansh Khaad (organic fertilizer) was demonstrated at Auranya. About 30 villagers, 50 school students and teachers from the Ekeshwar block attended the session and were enthusiastic to prepare organic fertilizers/manures (khaad) in their homes.
Horticulture, Native and Medicinal Herbs
Himalayas are rich in bio-diversity and plant species. They play a siginificant role in supporting and sustaining livelihoods of the hill communities. Bark, Jatta Masi, Kunj, Paiyah, Samiyah and Wild Turmeric, are among some of the rare and valuable herbs supported by HEAL.
Making Soaps and Incense Cones
A social and economic empowerment initiative, Earthspell for the village women of Ekeshwar block was launched in May 2023. It is a commercial venture for the production of premium hand-made soaps and incense cones. With the support of HEAL, 10 skill building workshops for the procurement, production and distribution of Earthspell products were organised. About 200 women have been trained through workshops held in four villages, Chaidhar, Gorli, Nandoli, and Eeda Malla.
The innovative and sustainable spin to the incense cone production process is the utilization of raw materials procured from the HEAL firelines. In addition to, the use of native herbs and locally prepared essential oils for the soaps. The plant based ingredients used are uncontaminated and derived from the forests/villages in the Ekeshwar region. An ode to nature, Earthspell products are sustainable, clean, plant-based and cruelty-free. Every product conveys a fascinating folk narrative rooted in the Uttarakhand hills, its culture and the spectacular landscape.
