Kumaun Grameen Udyog (KGU) is a section 25 company set up to provide sustainable livelihoods to artisans and farmers in rural Kumaun in Uttarakhand. All the products are marketed under the brand name Kilmora, through three exclusive retail outlets in Nainital district.
KGU also markets it’s products through craft exhibitions (such as Dastkaar’s Nature Bazaar and Winter Weaves, Dastkaari Haat Samiti Exhibition etc.) and also supplies directly to buyers such as Fabindia and Anokhi. KGU’s livelihood initiatives provide an important source of income to about 200 weavers and knitters (most of them are women) and about 250 farmers. The profit from sales is used to support a primary school and a hospital in the region.
KGU’s products are certified by Craftmark, an initiative of the All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association (AIACA).