On behalf of Yudhish and ProSeed, I've organized this fundraiser to support an amazing community I had the privilege of joining during my time volunteering in the Himalayas. Yudhish is an incredibly generous individual who wants to better the lives of people living in remote communities by connecting them with the land and each other. Please read below for more background and help however you can!
Introduction
ProSeed is a community-driven initiative in the Himalayan region, focused on farm restoration, supporting Himalayan communities, sustainable living, and permaculture farming. We aim to empower communities by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, increasing incomes, and equipping these communities with the skills and resources needed for self-reliance. These efforts also support sustainable practices in managing water, forests, and soil to ensure long-term ecological health and stability in the Himalayan region.
Our mission is to transform approximately 4.46 acres of degraded and eroded land in the Himalayan region, situated at an elevation of 2,500 meters. We are committed to restoring this land to its former glory as a thriving orchard, reviving its natural beauty and ecological significance.
Guided by a commitment to empower communities, ProSeed seeks to breathe new life into this land while addressing the urgent need for sustainable practices. By combining innovative agricultural techniques with community-driven efforts, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem that uplifts both the environment and the livelihoods of local residents.
We warmly invite individuals worldwide to join us in this transformative endeavour. Together, we can cultivate hope, resilience, and renewal—creating a beacon of ecological restoration and community empowerment.
The Challenge
The farm faces several challenges that make restoration a complex task. Erosion from nearby road construction has impacted the soil, and the steep mountainous terrain adds to the difficulty of cultivation. Limited access to electricity makes it harder to implement modern solutions, while changing weather patterns affect the natural flow of water on the land.
Erosion caused by roadway development
Deforestation due to lack of local resources
Traditional farming is in decline, with local communities struggling due to a lack of resources and opportunities. Younger generations are losing touch with their agricultural heritage. Despite these challenges, we are determined to restore the farm and transform it.
This project is not just about the environment—it's about revitalizing the livelihoods and strengthening the resilience of the people who call this region home.
Our Solution
Phase I (Achievements Since August 2021): Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Restoration and Growth
Since starting in August 2021, we have achieved the following milestones:
- Earth House Construction: Created an eco-friendly hut using natural materials.
Outside of earth house constructed from stones and mud
Inside of earth house
- Water Resource Excavation: Developed a reliable water source for the project.
Ground water storage
- Greenhouse Development: Built to support sustainable and controlled farming practices.
Outside of greenhouse
Inside of greenhouse
- Biodegradable Toilet Installation: Installed to promote sustainability and environmental health.
Biodegradable toilet
- Paved Path: Established to improve access and connectivity across the site.
- Ridge Restoration: Focused efforts on strategic restoration to control erosion and improve soil stability.
- Fruit Tree Planting: Planted diverse fruit trees to restore biodiversity and generate future yields.
- Water Storage Tank: Constructed an 8,000-litre tank to ensure efficient water conservation and usage.
These efforts have laid a strong foundation for the project's long-term success and sustainability.
Phase II (Upcoming): Advancing Sustainability and Community Connectivity
To sustain the project and build upon our initial successes, Phase II will focus on:
- Solar Power and Electricity: Bringing electricity to the land through solar power installation and government connections.
- Retaining Walls and Terraces: Building structures to support sustainable farming and prevent erosion.
- Accessibility Improvements: Creating paths and structures to enhance movement across the site.
- Water Keyways: Constructing keyways to optimize water flow and conservation.
- Protective Fencing: Installing fencing to secure the land and its resources.
- Planting and Guilding: Expanding ecological balance through strategic planting and guild development.
- Community Hall Construction: Building a hall to host workshops for locals, volunteers, and travelers, where we can foster knowledge-sharing and connection.
These initiatives aim to enhance the land’s sustainability, strengthen community involvement, and increase the overall functionality of the project.
Ways You Can Help
Your support can transform this farm into a beacon of sustainability and community empowerment. Here’s how you can contribute:
Donate
Your contribution will directly support key aspects of the project such as:
Infrastructure Development
Funds allocated to infrastructure development will support the construction of eco-friendly and functional structures critical for the project’s sustainability, including:
- Community Centres: Spaces for workshops, training, and community engagement.
- Greenhouses: Facilities for controlled, sustainable cultivation.
- Erosion Control Structures: To prevent soil degradation and protect the land.
- Rainwater Harvesting Systems: For effective water conservation and utilization.
- Irrigation Systems: Ensuring consistent water supply for crops and trees.
- Fencing: To secure the land and protect it from external threats.
- Composting Facilities: For recycling organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments.
These initiatives will strengthen the foundation for a self-sustaining farm and benefit both the environment and the local community.
Seeds & Agricultural Resources
- Seeds: Apple, Kiwi, Walnut, Peach, Apricot, Plum, Chestnut, Rhododendron, Oak, Deodar
- Plants: Greens, Tomatoes, Spinach, Garlic, Cabbage, Peas, Potatoes, Corn, Radish, and more
- Herbs: Himalayan Basil, Mint, Stevia, Thyme, Indian Pennywort
- Equipment: Carpentry tools, wheelbarrow, and proposed tools like a chainsaw and hand tractor
- Employment generation: Employ and train 4-5 local workers in sustainable farming practices, prioritizing opportunities for local women.
Volunteer
Join our volunteer exchange program and contribute your time, energy, and skills to the farm. As a volunteer, you can assist with tasks like planting, weeding, animal care, general maintenance, working farmers' markets, community education, and implementing sustainable practices. In return, you'll gain hands-on experience, learn new skills, and connect deeply with nature while staying active. This program also offers the chance to be part of a vibrant community, all in one of the most breathtaking regions of the Himalayas.
Conclusion
ProSeed is more than a farm; it’s a vision for ecological restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and community empowerment in the Himalayan region. With your support, we can turn this vision into a reality.
Our work so far has laid a strong foundation, but there’s much more to achieve. By donating, spreading the word, or volunteering your skills, you can help us:
- Build eco-friendly infrastructure like community centres and greenhouses
- Restore biodiversity through native trees, plants, and herbs
- Employ and train local workers, especially women, in sustainable farming
- Enhance water conservation with rainwater harvesting and irrigation systems
Your contribution directly impacts both the environment and the lives of those who depend on it. Every donation, no matter the size, takes us closer to creating a self-sustaining farm that serves as a beacon of hope and resilience.
Together, we can cultivate a brighter future for the land, the community, and generations to come.
Contact
Check out Yudhish's Instagram for more updates and information: @namastay.himalayas