Sustainability is in Our Roots

In a truly sustainable system all parts flourish and no part gets left behind. The way to ensure real sustainability is to adopt and adhere to principles that support the planet and people. At KSM-66 Ashwagandha we operate according to sustainable principles that inform every aspect of operations, from seed to finish. Sustainability is in our DNA.

After the 1992 United Nations Conference on the Environment, which is also known as the Rio Conference, most of the world’s governments signed a pact known as The Convention on Biological Diversity. The pact focused on conservation of biological resources, sustainable use of those resources, and equitable sharing of benefits deriving from the use of those resources. These principles apply to both wild harvesting and cultivation of plants. As a responsible program utilizing natural resources KSM-66 ashwagandha root extract is made in compliance with these vital sustainability guidelines.

Cultivation of crops is a major factor in sustainable production of botanicals. In Rajasthan India KSM-66 Ashwagandha operates 1550 acres of certified organic farmland where the company grows ashwagandha root. From seed to harvest all aspects of ashwagandha cultivation are performed according to organic guidelines. No toxic agri-poisons are used in any phase of cultivation. This helps to keep soil, water, and air free of toxins, while protecting farm workers from exposure to chemicals that may cause them harm. This contributes to better soil fertility and produces a product that will not impart harmful chemicals to end users. Land upon which ashwagandha is grown is nourished with natural fertilizers including the tops of ashwagandha plants, and rotation of land helps to maintain soil fertility. All these efforts help to keep land fertile and free from applied toxins.

Women’s empowerment is a key goal of a more equitable and fair society. Ixoreal, the maker of KSM-66 ashwagandha root extract, hires as many women as possible for jobs in the company. These women work in the ashwagandha fields and factories and offices. Globally women earn less than men in most jobs, and in various societies women live at a cultural and economic disadvantage compared to men. By hiring women and paying them 10 – 20 percent more than they would make performing other jobs in their areas, KSM-66 supports the health of families and promotes greater social equity. This has a positive impact on family health and community cohesion. The women who work on various aspects of the production of KSM-66 grew up together, their families know each other, and the work they do helps to improves the lives of both individuals and families, while promoting strong community cohesion. This is a key focus of Ixoreal.

When a company benefits from the utilization of a natural resource, it has a responsibility to share the benefits of that success. One of the most vigorous aspects of sustainability and KSM-66 concerns benefit haring with communities. The company funds a couple of schools, pays for teachers and administrators, helps with supplies, and sponsors events through those schools. The company has built a hospital in the Kota area in Rajasthan, which serves the agricultural community there. The hospital, its care and its medicines are free. The company operates a thalassemia center for about 450 children, providing needed ongoing health care. During Covid the hospital supported by KSM-66 vaccinated over 20,000 residents, all at no charge. The company supports women who make traditional fabric crafts and engages in other programs that enhance overall community life. As KSM-66 does better in the market through increased sales and distribution, these programs expand. This way of operating demonstrates that real benefit sharing is not only fair and right but is a great asset to a strong company.

In the area of extraction of ashwagandha root, KSM-66 is made according to a proprietary method that took fourteen years to develop. The company’s clean and green extraction uses no industrial solvents, no aromatic hydrocarbons, not even alcohol. The methods used to make KSM-66 are safe and environmentally friendly, so toxins are not promoted, used, or discharged into the environment. This yields a product that conforms with strict environmental guidelines, does not expose workers to toxins and results in a safer product for end users.

To enforce all dimensions of real sustainability KSM-66 Ashwagandha root extract is produced under the watchful eye of a variety of certifying bodies, from ISO standards to GMO-free, USDA certified organic and more. To date the company has qualified for over forty certifications, all of which require strict adherence and regular audits. By participating in such a rigorous and demanding way of operating, the company lives up to the highest standards of safety and all environmental guidelines. At all times, we have people watching over our shoulders, ensuring that we are in full compliance with certification standards.

Real sustainability requires a broad and humane approach, considering every aspect of operation, through the entire chain. From seed to finish KSM-66 ashwagandha root extract is made in accordance with real and definable sustainable guidelines, contributing to a healthier environment, society, and product. By subjecting our KSM-66 to rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled human studies that consistently demonstrate efficacy of the extract, the company ensures that in the end KSM-66 ashwagandha helps people to live better, healthier lives.