The “House of Himalayas” brand, introduced under the Rural Development Department of Uttarakhand, has rapidly established itself as a key player in promoting rural products and empowering local communities. In less than a year since its launch at the Global Investor Summit in Dehradun by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023, the brand has achieved impressive sales of ₹ 34.52 lakh.
Key Highlights:
- Product Range: The brand features 35 products across eight categories, including pure honey, organic grains like mandua and jhangora, traditional pulses such as rajma and gahath, red rice, amaranth, tea, oils, personal care items, handicrafts, and handmade woolen garments.
- Rural Empowerment: The initiative supports women self-help groups, farmers, farmer producer organizations, and rural entrepreneurs. The project aims to increase farmers’ and women’s income by 50-75% and make five lakh women “Lakhpati Didis,” earning at least ₹1 lakh annually.
- Market Reach: Products are available offline, on Amazon, and the brand’s dedicated website. Sales strategies include leveraging local fairs, festivals, and government programs to boost visibility and demand. Special gift packs for Diwali were especially well-received.
- Economic Growth: According to Rural Development Secretary Radhika Jha, over 60% of Uttarakhand’s population resides in rural areas, making this initiative a game-changer for the state’s rural economy. The brand targets ₹1 crore in annual sales and aims to expand further in the next three years.
The “House of Himalayas” is not just a brand but a movement towards self-reliance, showcasing the richness of Uttarakhand’s traditions while strengthening its rural economy.