Marchula: Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, the people of Uttarakhand’s hills have long been known for their hard work and resilience. However, the lack of employment opportunities and the persistent issue of migration have forced many to grapple with significant challenges. Amid these struggles, some individuals are not only carving a unique path by staying in the hills but also creating jobs and inspiring hope for their communities. This is the story of Seeli village in the remote Beerokhal block, located on the border of Garhwal and Kumaon, where Ambe Phytoextracts Pvt. Ltd. is not just generating employment but also transforming lives in the hills. It stands as a shining example of establishing industry in the mountains.
Ambe Phytoextracts
At the heart of Ambe Phytoextracts Pvt. Ltd. is Harshpal Chaudhary, a local resident and microbiologist by profession. Harshpal founded this remarkable company in his village with a vision that extends beyond business—to make his community self-reliant. His foresight and dedication have given the company a unique identity. Ambe Phytoextracts specializes in producing extracts from Ayurvedic herbs, which are used in health supplements, specialty foods, and beauty products. Committed to environmental sustainability, the company strives to promote health and well-being through natural products.
In 2022, Ambe launched an advanced research laboratory, enabling faster development of innovative products. The company aims to bring tested, health-beneficial products to the market. With the global demand for natural healthcare on the rise, Ambe is working tirelessly to deliver the best to its customers.
Dr. C.S. Joshi, General Manager of Ambe Phytoextracts, explains, “We are in the Shivalik Himalayas, where sages crafted medicines from herbs thousands of years ago. We build on that legacy, exporting over 90% of our products to markets in the US, Israel, Europe, Japan, and Korea.” Initially focused on plant-based extracts, the company has expanded to produce branded extracts, specialty ingredients, beauty product components, and carotenoids. This has extended its reach to the health, Ayurveda, food, and skincare industries. Notably, all products are derived from plants or bacteria, ensuring they are pure and natural.
Diverse Product Portfolio
Ambe Phytoextracts produces a wide range of products for health, nutrition, and beauty, including:
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Herbal Extracts (plant-based extracts)
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Nutraceuticals (specialty health products)
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Pharmaceutical Active Ingredients (components for medicines)
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Spray-Dried Fruit and Vegetable Powders
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Oleoresins (spice extracts)
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Essential Oils
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Cosmeceuticals (specialty beauty ingredients)
Voices from the Community
The company employs numerous individuals from Seeli village and surrounding areas, many of whom shared their experiences.
Surji Devi, a resident of Silimli, has been working in production for 14 years. “I handle packing tasks, like capsules and medicines. We were even taken to Delhi for training,” she says. When asked about the impact of local employment, she beams, “It feels great. There’s no need to leave the village. What could be better than working here?”
Sarita, from Kinath Mohalla, has worked at Ambe for seven years. “I rent a room here. My children study in Sundernagar. My village is 10 kilometers away, so I visit occasionally. This job has made life easier,” she shares.
Parmila Devi expresses her satisfaction, saying, “I’ve been here for 6–7 years. Having a job near home means I can manage my kids and some farming. My shift from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM allows me to balance work and home. The salary comes on time, and I manage well.”
Shiv Singh, who previously worked in Rudrapur, has been with Ambe for four years. “The environment here—clean air and water—is pure. Outside, I dealt with rent and heat. Now, I’m home, farming on the side, and commuting by bike. Everything works out,” he says.
Balam Singh, once a musician in a band, now works in packing. “I worked many places before, but now I’m with my family in the hills. This is where I belong,” he says.
Bharat Chaudhary, a former driver, has been with the company for 5–6 years. “I work near home, manage my fields, and save money since vegetables come from our farm. I earn as much as I did in Delhi,” he notes.
Satyendra Chaudhary, who previously ran a transport business, has been with Ambe for 7–8 years. “The atmosphere here is excellent. The company benefits employees, local shopkeepers, farmers, and landlords. The pay exceeds Uttarakhand government standards,” he says.
Naresh Chaudhary, an army retiree, is learning production work. “If people from Nepal and beyond come here to work, why shouldn’t I stay in my village? My kids study in Kashipur, and I visit them on weekends. I’m happy with my salary,” he shares.
Challenges
Dr. Joshi highlights that raw material costs are high, but the company increases profit margins by creating advanced products. However, he emphasizes the need for greater government support. “If we get tax exemptions and backing like in China, more industries can thrive in the hills,” he says.
A Model for Hill-Based Industry
Ambe Phytoextracts Pvt. Ltd. is more than a company—it’s a symbol of employment and self-reliance in the hills. It demonstrates that with the right vision and effort, big dreams can be realized in the mountains. Harshpal Chaudhary and his team have not only given their village a new identity but also taken significant steps to curb migration. By fostering local employment and leveraging the region’s natural resources, Ambe Phytoextracts is paving the way for a brighter, self-sustaining future in Uttarakhand’s hills.
