‘Xupan’ Initiative Bridges Market Gap for HEC-Affected Villagers

Guwahati: Aaranyak, a premier biodiversity conservation organization in Northeast India, has launched an innovative buyer-seller initiative titled "Xupan" — meaning "the ladder of advancement" — to support sustainable livelihoods for villagers affected by human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Eastern Assam. In collaboration with British Asian Trust, Elephant Family, and supported by the Darwin Initiative, Aaranyak has organized a series of buyer-seller meets across five districts — Jorhat, Majuli, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, and Dibrugarh — between June 14 and 24. These events enabled rural producers from project villages to directly sell their handmade and organic products to end consumers. Items on display included traditional textiles like Chadar-Mekhela, elephant-themed Gamochas and bags, bamboo crafts, pottery, vermicompost, vegetables, and homemade bakery goods. The events witnessed enthusiastic participation, with more than 85 rural sellers across the five districts showcasing their work. The initiative not only boosted incomes for many HEC-affected households but also instilled pride and entrepreneurial spirit among participants. Buyers responded positively, appreciating the authenticity and quality of the products. Through Xupan, Aaranyak reaffirms its mission of empowering local communities by strengthening market linkages and fostering economic resilience through sustainable, skill-based livelihoods.