There is still a large amount of illegal Kutki being collected from the wild in India, as well as huge amounts being smuggled into India from Nepal and being sold on the black market. The wild-harvested herbs govern the market value of Kutki, so the farmers are having to sell their Kutki at the black market value. The Dunagiri Foundation’s initiative to support these farmers is to buy Kutki direct from the farmers at a premium rate, drying and post-processing it properly, and finding responsible companies who will buy this premium grade Kutki, rather than buy the smuggled one which is depleting Kutki in the wild.

Empowering and educating villagers to cultivate these herbs, as well as discouraging illegal wild-harvesting practices in this fragile ecosystem is key to preserve the ancient medicine systems that have birthed from these sacred mountains.

Capturing oral wisdom traditions from elders that are being lost and forgotten.

Prashanti De Jager and villagers are hand-building the equipment to harvest, clean, dry and process the herbs using traditional methods.

A village toolshed is being built. There is a dire need for tools, shovels, picks, hoes, hammers, screwdrivers. This village is extremely remote with few if any modern conveniences.

Naulas are the ancient natural springs where some of the world’s purest water comes from. The water is used for both drinking and watering the kutki crop. Through the years, the springs fall into disrepair and begin to disappear. The funds for a traditional Naula structure to be restored will be a deep and fundamental gift to the villagers.

These meeting rooms will be where elders, villagers and children can gather, learn, and teach. Computer technology and solar education will be taught to support their infrastructure.