Stories

A Struggle in Silence Deep in the rugged Salt block of Almora, where the air is rich with the aroma of spices, a silent crisis was unfolding. Farmers, once proud cultivators of turmeric, garlic, ginger, and chili, watched helplessly as their lands became unproductive. Despite fertile soil and a legacy of spice cultivation, shrinking arable land, erratic rainfall, lack of irrigation, and outdated farming techniques were taking a toll. The market system was another challenge—middlemen controlled pricing, leaving farmers with little control over their earnings. Most income barely covered the cost of living, trapping farmers in a cycle of low income, uncertainty, and diminishing hope. But in 2015, the tide began to turn.

A Beacon of Hope in Betalghat Nestled in the heart of the Betalghat Development Block, within Nainital District, the Betaleshwar Autonomous Cooperative has become a symbol of hope, efficiency, and empowerment for the local community. Established in November 2017, the cooperative initially worked to strengthen rural livelihoods by supporting agricultural produce and providing daily essentials. However, its true transformative impact emerged in November 2019, when it took charge of the Take-Home Ration (THR) distribution program, providing timely, nutritious food to the most vulnerable—particularly women and children—across the region.

A Village United for Change Nestled in the serene hills of Uttarakhand, just 20 km from Almora, Udiyari village has experienced a remarkable transformation. What began as a simple initiative in March 2015 to address livelihood struggles has blossomed into a thriving cooperative, empowering local families with financial stability and self-reliance. Today, Udiyari stands as a beacon of community strength, inspiring others with its story of unity, growth, and empowerment.

In the picturesque hills of Almora, a quiet revolution is taking place. The Integrated Livelihood Support Project (ILSP), spearheaded by GRASS (Gramin Samaj Kalyan Samiti), is transforming the lives of rural families. By reviving traditional organic farming, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring fair market access for local produce, this initiative is not only combating rural distress but also empowering women and building long-term economic independence. Financed by IFAD and UGVS, ILSP is a testament to the power of community strength, skill-building, and resilience.

In the picturesque yet resource-challenged region of Dhamas Matela, Almora, the Ujjwal Ajeevika Autonomous Cooperative stands as a beacon of transformation. This grassroots initiative, born under the Integrated Livelihood Support Project (ILSP) with the support of Gramin Samaj Kalyan Samiti (GRASS) and funding from IFAD and UGVS, is reshaping the economic landscape and empowering local communities—especially women. Through collective efforts, the cooperative is proving that community-driven change backed by the right resources can create profound and lasting impacts.