Transforming barren and uncultivated terraces into reliable livelihoods, woman farmer and entrepreneur Daya Danu from the remote village of Borbalad in Kapkot tehsil has established an empowering economic model in Uttarakhand's hills. By introducing the systematic cultivation of the medicinal herb kutki, she not only strengthened her own family's financial security but also connected over 400 local women with self-employment opportunities. Her initiative brought neglected farmland back into active use, proving that mountain geography and underutilized regional resources can be effectively harnessed to revitalize the rural economy.
Expanding medicinal farming from remote mountain villages
Living in Borbalad, situated within the Kapkot block, Daya Danu recognized the potential of traditional medicinal herbs tailored to high-altitude terrain. She began cultivating kutki specifically on plots that had been abandoned for extended periods due to challenging conditions. As the venture gained momentum, she engaged local village women across multiple phases of farming, from field preparation to harvest. Gaining meaningful income opportunities right within their home hamlets enabled these women to build financial autonomy and contribute meaningfully to their household finances.
Institutional backing and collective earnings
The expansion of kutki cultivation throughout the Kapkot belt received notable assistance from regional agricultural bodies. Collaborative backing from the Horticulture Department and the Bheshaj Sangh helped popularize improved farming practices and provided structural encouragement across the region. This organized cluster approach yielded concrete financial dividends. During the 2025-26 financial year, farmers working across the Kapkot cluster generated a combined revenue of approximately 65 lakh rupees through collective sales of harvested kutki, demonstrating the commercial viability of high-altitude medicinal herbs.
Checking hill migration and receiving state honors
Beyond individual incomes, cultivating kutki on mountain slopes has played an active part in curbing distress migration by generating reliable work within village borders. Reclaiming idle lands has revived local farming interest and placed independent economic choices in the hands of women. Recognizing her leadership in fostering self-reliance and transforming rural farming, the Uttarakhand government conferred the prestigious Teelu Rauteli award on Daya Danu in August 2026. Her grassroots initiative continues to provide a working blueprint for other women across the mountainous state.
