Income Generation
Kumaun Grameen Udyog
Kumaun Grameen Udyog (KGU) is registered under Section 25 of
the Companies Act (1956). KGU acts as an umbrella structure to manage various
income generation programmes envisaged and initiated by CHIRAG. Any profits made
by KGU are mandated to be used for rural development.
Income generation programmes manifest our belief that social
empowerment is not possible without economic empowerment and vice versa. The two
have to go hand in hand and complement each other. The objective of running the
income generation programme is twofold:
- To demonstrate how income can be supplemented with small
investment in equipment and skill upgradation.
- To create a brand equity for the products of the area.
As part of its income generation programme KGU runs a small
weaving centre at village Buribana, about 11 km from Mukteshwar. The weaving
centre stands on a plot of land donated by a local farmer. Another weaving
centre is being planned in village Orakhan, about 15 km from Buribana. High
quality shawls and tweeds are produced at this weaving centre.
KGU has also given basic training in knitting to village women.
These women are supplied with wool and knitting equipment. The finished products
namely sweaters, mufflers, caps, gloves, and socks are sent back to KGU. The
knitters are paid on piece rate basis. Money thus earned is a useful supplement
to household income.
There are two ranges of woollen products: pure wool and mixed.
Pure wool products are targeted at the upper end consumers, primarily tourists,
while mixed wool products target the local population.
KGU also runs an oil press at its main office in Kashialek,
about 9 km from Mukteshwar, which is used to extract apricot oil, a rich source
of vitamin E. The oil cake, a by-product of
apricot oil extraction, is used to prepare apricot scrub. A plan to extract
essential oils from locally grown medicinal and aromatic plants is on the anvil.
While making significant progress in the last couple of years
KGU has been hamstrung by a lack of marketing linkages. It has three outlets at
the moment, one each in Naukuchiatal, Sitla, and Kashialek, all in Nainital
district. In addition products have been exported to interested customers across
the globe. Attempts have also been made to use platforms such as trade fairs to market goods. We
realise that there is an urgent need to look beyond the local market. We welcome your suggestions towards making KGU more effective in pursuit of its objectives.
Please write to us at kgu
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