In the rugged, high-altitude deserts of Ladakh, where the sun blazes fiercely and winters are unforgiving, a quiet revolution is brewing. At its heart is Tsetan Dorjay, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Aranoo village, nestled in the shadow of the Siachen Glacier. Through his venture, Siachen Naturals, Tsetan is not only reviving the region’s ancient barley farming traditions but also empowering women farmers to reclaim their agency and secure sustainable livelihoods. This is the story of how a staple crop, once relegated to storage sheds, is now fueling economic and cultural renewal in one of India’s most remote regions.
The Barley Legacy: A Crop on the Brink
Barley is the lifeblood of Ladakhi cuisine. From the hearty thukpa (a noodle stew) to tsampa (roasted barley flour) and skyu (a thick vegetable and meat stew), it weaves itself into the fabric of daily life. Yet, a decade ago, barley teetered on the edge of oblivion. Farmer Tsering Chondol, one of Siachen Naturals’ 30 women beneficiaries, recalls a time when barley was merely a “convenience crop.” Grown to feed cattle through harsh winters, it held little economic value. “There was no market for it,” she says. “Even if we grew it, we couldn’t sell it.”
Younger generations, lured by urban opportunities or steady jobs with organizations like the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), began abandoning farming. The golden fields of barley, stretching across Ladakh’s undulating landscapes, faced the threat of fading into memory. Tsetan Dorjay, however, saw potential where others saw decline. His vision: to transform barley into a source of pride and prosperity for Ladakh’s farming communities, particularly its women.
Tsetan Dorjay: A Visionary Rooted in Community
Tsetan’s journey began with a transformative year at SECMOL (Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh) after Class 11. The alternative school, founded by Sonam Wangchuk, exposed him to the environmental and socio-economic challenges plaguing his homeland. “I learned about migration, modernization, and how farmers were quitting because they weren’t earning enough,” Tsetan reflects. These insights, coupled with his time at the Naropa Fellowship, ignited a passion to return to his roots and revive Ladakhi agriculture.
In 2022, Tsetan founded Siachen Naturals, an organic food brand that champions sustainable farming and empowers women through self-help groups (SHGs). His mission was clear: create a market for barley and other indigenous crops, ensuring farmers—especially women—receive fair compensation. “I wondered, wouldn’t they be happier farming, doing what they love, instead of working for someone else?” Tsetan says. His model does exactly that, offering farmers a steady income and a renewed sense of purpose.
A Sustainable Model: From Field to Market
Siachen Naturals’ business model is as innovative as it is equitable. The company procures raw materials, primarily barley, from local farmers at above-market rates—Rs 75 per kg compared to the standard Rs 60 per kg. These materials are transformed into organic products like barley soups, porridges, and nettle-infused mixes, handcrafted by women from Aranoo village, affectionately called “Amalayas” in Ladakhi. The products, enriched with local herbs like caraway and nettle, embody Ladakh’s culinary heritage and are sold across India, with sold-out exhibitions in Mumbai signaling soaring demand.
The company partners with SHGs, providing them with a fixed monthly income of Rs 10,000, regardless of procurement cycles. This financial stability has been a game-changer for women like Tsering, who now encourages her children to pursue farming as a viable career. “I was nervous about letting my kids farm,” she admits. “But now, I see it’s possible to earn a living from it.”
Sustainability is woven into every aspect of Siachen Naturals’ operations. Barley is ground into flour using traditional water mills powered by glacier water, mimicking hydroelectric principles without electricity. The company also plans to introduce solar dryers to process herbs, fruits, and cheese, addressing the 40% post-harvest spoilage caused by harsh sunlight. “Solar drying preserves nutrients and improves hygiene,” Tsetan explains. “Unlike sundrying, it protects produce from dust and wind.” This initiative, inspired by regional successes like Neha Upadhyaya’s Guna Organics, will soon extend to Halman apricots and seabuckthorn, prized for their health benefits.
Empowering Women: The Heart of Siachen Naturals
At the core of Siachen Naturals is its commitment to gender equality. Women farmers, who form the backbone of Ladakh’s agricultural community, are empowered through training, infrastructure, and leadership opportunities. The company’s SHGs, comprising around 14 women in Aranoo, provide a platform for collaboration and economic independence. “We want to uplift these hardworking women and enhance their livelihoods,” Tsetan says.
This focus resonates deeply in a region where women have historically traded farming for low-paying jobs. By offering fixed incomes, advance payments, and access to sustainable technologies, Siachen Naturals is rewriting the narrative. Farmers like Tsering, who once viewed barley as a byproduct, now see it as a source of pride and income. The ripple effect is profound: families are staying rooted in their villages, and traditional knowledge is being preserved for future generations.
A Cultural and Culinary Renaissance
Siachen Naturals’ product range is a love letter to Ladakh’s heritage. Its barley porridge, laced with dried cheese, has won over customers nationwide for its unique flavor profile. The wild nettle soup, dubbed “Milarepa’s soup” after the saint who survived on nettle during meditation, is a cult favorite. Caraway, a Stone Age spice known locally as kosnyot, adds depth to the staple thangyer blend. These products don’t just nourish; they tell a story of resilience, tradition, and the Himalayan landscape.
Tsetan’s plans to sell dried herbs and fruits separately signal an ambitious expansion. “Once we introduce solar dryers, we’ll offer caraway, nettle, and Halman apricots as standalone products,” he says. This move will further diversify income streams for farmers while introducing global markets to Ladakh’s superfoods.
Overcoming Challenges: A Blueprint for Resilience
Siachen Naturals’ journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Ladakh’s short four-month farming season, coupled with climate change-induced challenges like unseasonably cold weather, threatens crop yields. Tsetan recalls a recent meeting with SHG farmers who expressed concerns about poor apricot and vegetable germination. “It’s a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are to climate change,” he says. Yet, these challenges have only strengthened his resolve to build climate-resilient practices, such as solar drying and regenerative agriculture.
Funding has also been a milestone. In August 2024, Siachen Naturals secured Ladakh’s first-ever equity financing, a pre-seed round at a $500,000 valuation, led by investors like Anuj Sharma of Alsisar Impact and Sonali Mehta-Rao of Ahaana Ventures. This capital, coupled with catalytic funding from OYO’s Ritesh Agarwal and IIT Mandi Catalyst, has fueled expansion into northern India and beyond.
A Global Stage: Inspiring Communities Worldwide
Siachen Naturals’ impact extends beyond Ladakh. At the UK-India Week in London, Tsetan shared his journey alongside other Ladakhi startups, showcasing the power of micro-entrepreneurship. Anuj Sharma, an investor, believes Siachen Naturals offers a “blueprint for communities worldwide to responsibly harness natural resources while preserving cultural heritage and building climate resilience.”
The company’s success is a testament to the potential of indigenous entrepreneurship. By blending tradition with innovation—water mills, solar dryers, and organic practices—Siachen Naturals is proving that sustainable growth is possible even in the harshest environments.
Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Legacy
As Tsetan gazes across the golden barley fields of Aranoo, he sees more than a crop; he sees a legacy reborn. Siachen Naturals is not just about selling soups and porridges; it’s about restoring dignity to farmers, empowering women, and ensuring Ladakh’s dining tables continue to host their beloved thukpa for generations. With plans to scale production, introduce new products, and expand solar drying initiatives, Tsetan is sowing the seeds for a brighter, more resilient future.
For the women of Ladakh, Siachen Naturals is a beacon of hope. For Tsetan, it’s a promise kept—to his land, his people, and the humble barley that binds them all. As Tsering Chondol puts it, “Barley is our hero. And now, it’s our future.”
