Kumaon Maati – Agrotourism We aspire to transform farming into a healthy, sustainable and socially responsible-business.

I hail from a village Kyari (literally translates as the kitchen garden!) in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand (India). After completing my education, for 15 years I was involved in eco-tourism activities. In 2010 I initiated a partnership venture to create an ecologically low impact campsite where we can invite like-minded people to come and enjoy the various activities related to adventure and wildlife.

Kyari is a small village tucked inside the terai forest which has now become a conservation reserve. We have some wonderful nature trails for birding and wildlife sighting and photography activities. Interaction with village folks like having meals with families, experiencing farm work and herding cattle have been major takeaways for guests visiting our campsite. The ambience of the campsite itself is a crossover between temporary forest-dwelling and rustic village huts.

To supplement growing needs and shrinking sources the village community has taken to tourism-related work in a big way. From migrating to urban areas, lending vehicles, guides to opening resorts, and forest camps every possible source of income is being pursued by the village community.

I wish to explore options with people who are still interested in farming to overcome hazards of shrinking landholding, rising temperatures, water scarcity, wildlife threat, pests, and fertility issues. I have about 10 farmers who are ready to work with me on different projects.

I have studied, visited practicing farmers, and practiced growing vegetables by controlling inputs in proportions. I think putting up a poly house of 500 square meters for growing vegetables is the most practical way of starting. At the second stage, I plan to build a small shelter say 25×15 ft for mushroom farming.

I am hoping to join hands with likeminded people to make it a fun-filled learning experiential for both of us and contribute towards a happy and healthy village!