About Us – PAHAD Trust (Professional Assistance for Hill Area Development)
At PAHAD Trust (Professional Assistance for Hill Area Development), we believe that the hills of India are not just landscapes—they are living, breathing ecosystems filled with potential, knowledge, and strength. Founded in 2020 in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, PAHAD Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering rural hill communities by promoting sustainable, eco-friendly, and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
We work closely with farmers, women, and youth across the mountainous districts of Chamba and Kangra to build a future where agriculture is not only viable but prosperous, where tradition meets innovation, and where community well-being and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Our Vision
We envision a world where rural hill communities thrive economically, socially, and ecologically through sustainable agriculture and collective empowerment. We strive to restore balance between people and nature by promoting practices that are regenerative, inclusive, and rooted in the wisdom of the land.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build resilient farming systems and rural livelihoods in the hill regions of Himachal Pradesh by:
Encouraging and training farmers in sustainable and climate-smart agriculture
Supporting women and marginalized communities to become agents of change
Bridging the gap between local farmers and the urban market through ethical supply chains
Creating awareness about ecological balance and food sovereignty
Promoting grassroots-level innovation and farmer-led research
Why We Exist
Farming in the hilly regions of India faces many unique challenges—difficult terrain, limited irrigation, poor access to markets, lack of awareness about government schemes, and increasing climate variability. Over the years, many small farmers have been pushed into poverty, abandoning their ancestral lands or resorting to chemical-based practices that degrade both soil and health.
PAHAD Trust was born out of the need to address these interconnected problems with holistic, community-based solutions. Our goal is to make farming not just a means of survival—but a dignified, sustainable livelihood that nurtures both the farmer and the earth.
What We Do
1. Sustainable Agriculture Training
We organize regular training workshops and on-field demonstrations to teach farmers about:
Natural and organic farming techniques
Soil health management
Integrated pest control
Crop diversification and millet promotion
Water conservation methods
Post-harvest handling and value addition
These training sessions are hands-on, farmer-friendly, and tailored to local conditions. We work in collaboration with agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and experienced local practitioners.
2. Women Empowerment & Livelihoods
We believe women are the backbone of rural economies. Our programs focus on:
Forming and strengthening women self-help groups (SHGs)
Training in kitchen gardening, seed saving, and organic composting
Supporting women-led enterprises and market linkages
Promoting leadership and decision-making roles for women in community institutions
3. Farmer Awareness & Government Scheme Facilitation
We help farmers navigate and benefit from government schemes and entitlements. Our team conducts door-to-door outreach, awareness camps, and documentation support for:
Soil health cards
PM-KISAN scheme
Crop insurance programs
Training and subsidy schemes from agricultural departments
4. PAHAD Organics – Ethical Supply Chain Initiative
One of our flagship initiatives is PAHAD Organics—a community-driven brand that connects mountain farmers directly with conscious consumers across India. Under this initiative, we:
Procure indigenous, chemical-free produce directly from hill farmers
Provide fair pricing and logistical support to small-scale producers
Offer high-quality products such as traditional millets, lentils, native rice, ghee, and herbs
Ensure complete traceability, transparency, and sustainability
Consumers can buy our products online via farmernear.me or visit select organic outlets that stock our offerings.
5. Market Linkages & Exhibitions
We help farmers showcase their products and innovations at national-level events like:
Kisan Kumbh in New Delhi
Organic and millet festivals in Himachal Pradesh
Agriculture expos and local fairs
These platforms not only boost market visibility but also build the confidence of local farmers, encouraging them to continue traditional and ecological practices.
5. Market Linkages & Exhibitions
We help farmers showcase their products and innovations at national-level events like:
Kisan Kumbh in New Delhi
Organic and millet festivals in Himachal Pradesh
Agriculture expos and local fairs
These platforms not only boost market visibility but also build the confidence of local farmers, encouraging them to continue traditional and ecological practices.
6. Youth Engagement & Internships
To build the next generation of change-makers, we provide:
Internship opportunities for students in agriculture, environmental science, and rural development
Youth leadership workshops focused on sustainability, innovation, and social entrepreneurship
Exposure visits and community exchange programs
We believe young people are critical to transforming the rural narrative—and we support them every step of the way.
Our Impact So Far
Reached over 2,000+ farmers across Kangra and Chamba districts
Facilitated transition to natural farming for hundreds of families
Enabled direct income growth through fair-trade practices
Supported 40+ women SHGs with sustainable livelihood training
Conducted over 100 training sessions in partnership with local and national experts
Partnered with government bodies and NGOs to amplify rural voices and innovation
Our Impact So Far
Reached over 2,000+ farmers across Kangra and Chamba districts
Facilitated transition to natural farming for hundreds of families
Enabled direct income growth through fair-trade practices
Supported 40+ women SHGs with sustainable livelihood training
Conducted over 100 training sessions in partnership with local and national experts
Partnered with government bodies and NGOs to amplify rural voices and innovation
Collaborations & Partners
We work hand-in-hand with:
Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Department
Local Panchayats and village institutions
NGOs and civil society organizations
Universities and research institutions
Private companies supporting rural social responsibility (CSR)
Together, we strive to build lasting change grounded in trust, transparency, and community participation.
Meet Our Team
PAHAD Trust is led by a passionate team of social workers, farmers, trainers, environmentalists, and development professionals. Our strength lies in our deep grassroots presence, cultural sensitivity, and long-term commitment to the people we serve.
From our volunteers to our advisory board, every member is driven by one goal—to make the hills of India thrive.
Join Our Movement
Whether you’re a farmer, student, corporate, donor, or simply someone who cares about the future of food and farming—you can be part of our journey.
Volunteer with us on field projects and events
Intern or research with us for academic credit
Support PAHAD Organics by buying from our farmer collective
Sponsor a training session or tool kit for rural farmers
Spread the word about our work in your community or network
