Annual Report 2001 - 2002

Societal Programmes

The societal programmes have aimed at deriving optimum benefits by careful management of resources, S&T experience and skills vis-a-vis needs of the people. It has been possible to bring in specific intervention packages for the benefit of people in rural areas, particularly weaker sections such as women, tribals and people belonging to scheduled castes. While individual projects have been supported to develop sustainable technology models, large numbers of replicable models demonstrated over a few years have started getting recognition from various agencies. Such models are now being replicated in very large numbers through various ministries as well as international agencies like United Nations. The interface between technology institutions and S&T field groups have also been promoted specifically to encourage voluntary organizations to adopt S&T as part of the process of change. Highlights of various schemes are given below:

Science & Technology Application for Rural Development

Core Support Programme

This programme has provided unique opportunity of pursuing action oriented research and development work by interested scientists, specially from the younger generation, committed to work in the field of rural development. It has also helped in local networking and coordination amongst various science and technology based voluntary organizations and developmental agencies. Core grant was continued to 18 field groups during the year. Two new groups have been selected for core support this year. These core supported organizations are working in different geographical locations at the grassroots level focusing on cost effective technological interventions on location specific problems covering sectors such as sustainable agriculture and agro-processing; micro-watershed management; rural housing & sanitation; renewable energy; artisanal technology and rural industries covering rural engineering aspect as well.

A few distinct areas wherein location specific and need based technological interventions for rural application have been made by these S & T based field groups are mentioned below:

• Rural natural resource management through micro-watershed development.
  
• Quick and fast regeneration of bamboo through bamboo nodes; development of micro concrete floor tiles and cement plastered bamboo (termite resistant) roofing for low cost housing.
  
• Eco-friendly jute retting method for production of high quality fibre through controlled biotechnological application.
  
• Utilization of non-conventional fruits and vegetables; NTFP for value added quality products.
  
• Low cost bio -fertilizers production.
  
• Extraction and purification of natural food color and dyes under controlled conditions.
  
• Organic cultivation and processing of medicinal and aromatic plants.
  
• Dissemination of solar photovoltaic systems and training in operation and maintenance.
  
• Development of solar powered refrigerator for use in rural areas.
  
• Development of portable gasifier cook stove suitable for community cooking facilitating on line biomass feeding and proper regulation of gas generation and its burning.
  
• Development of cost effective defibring machine; dryer for drying rubber sheets.
  
• Development of low cost double-jacketed honey processing equipment with effective filter suited to rural mass application.
  
• Development of village information network through computerized support system and database for use by local communities in effective planning and access to technology in the areas of health, sanitation, sustainable agriculture, education, watershed management, etc.
  
• Rural electronics and IT. entrepreneurship development by establishing multipurpose service cum training centers/IT vans for repair, maintenance, demonstration and training in rural areas.

New Projects Supported

During the year, a large number of innovative projects were supported in various parts of the country covering wide range of sectors focusing on technology development/modulation, transfer and adoption of appropriate technologies at field level using local resources and material. Some of these projects are as under:

• Water area development along with horticulture planning through appropriate technology.
  
• Development of Pen Cage Culture for the rearing and propagation of fish.
  
• Alternate soil fertility management strategy in irrigated crop systems.
  
• Designing an optimal system of soil fertility management for sustainable agriculture.
  
• Generation of data for design of Solar Dryers through laboratory experiment.
  
• Low Cost energy saving local renewable technology for water systems development.
  
• Coir fibre manufacturing from coconut shells, and coirmat production.
  
• Sustainable fibre resource base.
  
• Establishment of Rural Technology Park in Meghalaya.

Replicable Projects

Some of the individual projects completed successfully this year are as under having potential for large-scale technology dissemination in rural areas:

• In a project implemented by SRI, Ranchi for micro-watershed development for Tati Panchayat in Angara Block, Ranchi, Jharkhand, technologies based on land and water activities have been promoted. Size of this watershed is 780ha having 30% forest area with a population of 850 families. It has ensured full-scale production of biomass in degraded land, reducing surface run off by 75% and increasing moisture conservation by 25 per cent. Planning and construction of biophysical structures, water harvesting and moisture conservation features have been designed and implemented in cost-effective manner. After establishing these natural resources utilization facilities, efforts have been made for sustainable use of such resources for value addition through training of local people in biodynamic gardening, cultivation of cash crops, food processing, poultry management, erosion control, micro irrigation and biomass based gasifier technology. This has led to creation of positive environment in the project area and people's participation in adopting such need based technologies resulting in increase in crop and vegetable yield leading to generation of additional income. Such an intervention to make science and technology visible and accessible to rural population through watershed development approach has resulted in actual technological empowerment and skill upgradation of the people, convergence of income generating activities and creation of sustainable livelihood. The operational structure is easily managed by people's group.
• A scientific technique has been developed and optimized by CSV, Wardha for extracting edible and medicinal gum from Acacia catechu, Acacia nilotica, Anogeisus latifolia and Boswellia serrata etc. found abundantly in forest area of Vidharba region in Maharashtra. The technique consist of making an oblique bore on the tree bole with the help of chisel and hammer and administering in it 2-4 ml of ethephon resulting in copius exudation of gum. It has been reported that this method resulted in increase in gum yield by 3-5 times as compared to traditional method. Local tribal people have been trained in the state of Maharashtra, MP and Gujarat to use this scientific method of gum tapping with less injury to the plant. Tribals have also been trained to process gum for preservation, product diversification and value addition.
  
  In another project this group has been able to optimize and demonstrate that the productivity of the degraded land can be increased 2- 2.5 times by introducing wild tubers as an understory of the tree canopy. In Maharashtra and MP this group has identified several domestically and economically important tubers. The local farmers have been trained to grow tubers like Asparagus resimosus, Chlorophytum tuberosum, Dioscorea bulbifera, Pueraria tuberosa leading to increase in annual income to the tune of Rs. 20-25 thousand per acre.
• A group of scientists from HESCO, Chamoli, Uttaranchal working on a project technology upgradation for fuel/fodder needs of women in Garhwal hills has been able to train hill women from three selected villages in appropriate techniques for cultivation of forage crops/grasses, silage making, stall feeding and efficient use of non woody fuel in monsoon season to mitigate the problem of fodder/fuel scarcity. HESCO has also developed new carrying devices using Agave fibre, upgraded harvesting tools and stove which are more efficient in use and helping in time saving to hill women who are overburdened by daily chores. Training in construction and management of silo pits for silage making and appropriate storage and preservation of grass/fodder techniques has helped a lot to avoid the hardship faced by women in hills during monsoon season and lean periods.
• In another project, SEED, Hyderabad has developed, designed and fabricated solar powered commercial air drier of 50 kgs (5sq.m drying area capacity) to make products such as mango-guava bars of high quality in physio-chemical properties and good taste and texture. Solar water system and heat exchanger with necessary plumbing was developed and interfaced with large dryer to store solar energy and reduce thermal loss to continue the drying process by day and night. The integration of solar thermal radiation and solar photovoltaic to generate thermal energy and electrical power in a cabinet dryer is the unique feature of this innovative technology. This technology of dryers with non-exhaustible, non-polluting energy sources requiring less time in processing as compared to traditional technology has shown potential for replication in rural areas. The drying time is reported to be 16-20 hours depending on climatic conditions.
• In an innovative project, ARTI, Pune has been able to design and develop low cost water storage tanks made from bamboo. The bamboo tank consists of a sidewall made from galvanized iron sheet fitted snugly within chemically treated bamboo palisade placed on a concrete plinth. Such tanks cost Rs. 0.50 to Rs. 0.75 per litre of storage capacity as compared to conventional water tanks requiring Rs. 3.5 to Rs. 5.0 per litre. Through experimentation with number of prototype tanks, technology was perfected to use chemically treated bamboo to avoid biodegradation; having sidewalls of galvanized iron sheet with a policy of not constructing tank taller than 1.20m to withstand the pressure of water leading to long term durability of the tank. Such an innovation has helped to provide additional income to traditional bamboo artisans of the region to make such tanks, as welll as a source of irrigation for agriculture and raising plant nursery, pisciculture and household works to potential users at the village level.

This group has also designed human powered bamboo carts (pushcart and bicycle drawn trailor with two wheels each and wheelbarrow with single wheel) to carry loads suited to rural needs/conditions thus reducing the load/strain on the heads and backs of farm labourers. The prototype were designed and field tested taking into consideration need for reducing degree of biodegradability of bamboo, geometrical structural strength, loosening of joints, reducing friction and alignment needs. These push/hand carts made from bamboo impregnated with biocide, using platform of galvanized iron sheet has been reported to have long life and durability. Thus, getting popular amongst users as they can carry 4-5 times as much load as that carried by a single person, besides providing new opportunities for traditional bamboo artisans to fabricate such field tested models as source of income. Science & Technology for Weaker Section

The scheme is aimed at the development of economically weaker sections of the society in rural and urban areas. It focuses attention of specific S&T inputs for improvement of rural artisans, landless labourers, etc. Emphasis is placed on multi-sectoral approach incorporating original ideas based on locally available resources and involving the direct beneficiary groups in decision-making process. The objective includes promotion of research, development and adaptation of Science and Technology for improving quality of life of weaker sections and to motivate scientists for applying their knowledge and expertise to the problems of weaker community. Co-coordinated programmes and individual projects are implemented under the scheme.

Individual Projects

14 new projects including 4 for integrated model village development were approved for implementation. Highlights of some of the projects are given below: -

• Development of an Ultraviolet B light monitor and use with a pollution meter to assess the impact of pollution related haze on Vitamin D metabolities in socially disadvantaged children.

Ultraviolet B light monitor has been developed with the help of Dr. Pramod Upadhaya and the Centre for Science, Education and Communication. It is an inexpensive indigenous UV B light monitor. The aim of this monitor is to use it in high pollution areas to find out the levels of UV B reaching the earth. In case the UV B light in a particular high-polluted area is low, Vitamin D can be supplemented to the children in that area. It is found as a result of the investigation that pollution does not lead to a reduction in Vitamin D metabolities, oral supplementation of Vitamin D may be recommended and result in savings by way of reduced morbidity on account of childhood rickets and osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults.

• Transfer of technology for income generation of weaker section, income generation of saltpan workers by integrating shrimp and Artremia culture in the artisanal coastal salines of Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin district.

Integrated shrimp, artemia culture in the salt farm is an innovative technology, which enhances the income of salt farmers. Shrimps owing to their high nutritive value and delicacy, command good price in the market. To meet the increasing demand in the world market shrimp-farming project was undertaken by Society for Social Development, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu. Good survival of shrimps especially in larval stages depends largely upon the availability of high quality feed. Solar saltpans have primary reservoirs, evaporation ponds but not suitable for shrimp and artemia production. To enhance the rate of evaporation the ponds are kept shallow. These ponds were made to 100 cm depth to keep the temperature below the lethal level. The saltpan was designed in such a way that it is suitable for shrimp + artemia + salt production. The depth of pond was increased to 1.2 m for shrimp culture and for artemia culture the depth was increased to 1.00 m. The pond bund were strengthened, dried and exposed to sun for a period of ten days. Soil pH was tested and fertilized with inorganic fertilizer. Training of salt farmers in the integrated approach by well-experienced experts were completed. One integrated pond each was done at Kanyakumari district and Tuticorin and one crop was harvested. The salt farmers of Kanyakumari district and Tuticorin were invited to attend orientation camp on the benefit of Integrated Technology.

• Design and development of tapioca chipping machine for midland small and marginal farmers in Kerala.

Society for S&T application in rural shelters (STARS) has developed a design for a machine, which can be operated either by electricity or hand for chipping operation of tapioca tubers with minimum time and labour. This also helps in increasing the output as well as the operational convenience. The system developed consists of (i) driving mechanism (ii) blade assembly (iii) feeder assembly and supporting assembly. Development and introduction of this new technology reduces the drudgery and cost. The chipping operation makes the bulky tuber more manageable and also reduces the sediment traces of hydrogen cyanide present in certain variety of tuber.

• Desktop publishing and computer training for the educated disabled and disadvantaged youth.

Ability Aids India International has developed a software for office management to provide training the for the educated disabled and disadvantaged youth. Appropriate training and exposure to the students in DTP computerised typesetting using softwares, scanners and printers was provided to the disabled students. DTP is as fast finding applications for preparing newsletters, journals, brochures, advertisements, technical reports, documents in different languages with scanned photographs and animated pictures. This has developed self-confidence among students to come into mainstream of society with the significant social change.

• Design, develop and field testing of manually operated system of MCR tile making device.

Integrated Sustainable Development has focused on upgradation and improvement of technology through modification and development of manual operated MCR machine with reduced dependence on electricity and give new opportunity to entrepreneurs to start tile manufacturing in rural area. This will create additional employment for youth and also reduce the cost of the tile. This is a sustainable enterprise and will help in dissemination of MCR technology in rural areas with great potential for employment.

• Developing silk weaving and sericulture for sustainable development of weaker section in Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh

Haryali Centre for Rural Development has set up silk weaving units for income generation and sustainable development among weaker section, promoting sericulture activities e.g. mulberry nursery, mulberry plantation, silkworm rearing, weaving. Three villages namely Udaipur, Tirukunia and Bara from Amaria block have been covered in silk weaving activities. Mulberry plantations have been done in 0.5 acres in each village. The salient point of this entire project is that the weavers utilized both traditional as well as modern looms. The improved TARA loom is being used in weaving sector for enhanced production and energy efficient means, using different types of yarn like silk, polyester, nylon, cotton, khadi, etc. The major achievement of the organisation was that the trainees have formed a self-help group and established their own silk weaving units. Science & Technology for Women

The scheme S&T for women supports projects relating to identifying technological needs of women, development, adaptation of technology and transferring available technology models for the benefit of women. A salient feature of this scheme is its unconventional approach, women centered policies and involvement of women at all the stages of the programme from problem identification to dissemination of technology. During the course of the year, forty five projects were approved in the priority sectors such as Land-based activities viz. cultivation of mushroom, medicinal plants and dye plants, nursery techniques, tissue culture, fibre utilization, processing of NTFP, aquaculture, sericulture; and like non-farm activities including drudgery removal, women's health, new techniques in spinning and weaving.

Some of the technologies developed through DST support are now being replicated on a larger scale jointly through UN agencies and SWA-SHAKTI (A World Bank & IFAD assisted project) under the Ministry of Human Resource development.

To celebrate the Women Empowerment year, National Assessments on technologies relevant to women were organized at NIRD Hyderabad and Faridabad with support from the Department of Women and Child Development. These programmes were attended by Scientists from R&D Institutions, National Laboratories, NGO's working with women and functionaries from government departments. Technology packages on low cost processing and preservation of horticultural produce, animal husbandry and manufacture of low cost health and hygiene products were chosen by SWA-SHAKTI for replication on a larger scale.

Some Individual projects sanctioned during this year include

• Eri silkworm rearing in rural castor belts of Gujarat.
  
• Ergonomic studies of women employed in the export sector sector.
  
• Polygreen houses in the hill areas.
  
• Skill upgradation of women engaged in glazed and decorative terracotta products
  
• Animal husbandry.
  
• Vanilla cultivation
  
• Culture of Marine bivalves
  
• Natural dyes in Mithila Paintings.
  
• Fabrication of Deccani wool opener.
  
• Watershed based soil and water conservation techniques.

Completed Projects

During the year, 28 projects were completed successfully. Some of the achievements are as follows:

• Design of load handling devices and other protective gears for women in construction industry.
  
• Setting up of a small-scale unit for oyster mushroom production.
  
• Development of standardization of procedures for making mixed spice paste technology with minimum loss of flavor. Use of optimum of hydrocolloids and bi valent ions.
  
• Development of natural products as bio-pesticides.
  
• Eco-friendly paper processing unit.
  
• Japanese Quail production Unit.

Some of the successful individual projects being replicated as coordinated programmes are:

• Low Cost processing & preservation of horticultural produce.

This programme is being implemented in selected locations in the Northeastern states. Under this programme Units for processing and preserving surplus horticultural produce have been set up. Installation of Machinery has been completed and trial production has commenced. The process of obtaining FPO licenses for each unit has been initiated.

• Cultivation, processing and marketing of high value Medicinal Plants.

This programme is underway in thirteen locations representing various agro climatic zones of the country. Good quality planting material is being supplied to women for cultivation. Women groups are also being trained in low cost agro technologies for cultivation, semi processing, storage and marketing of medicinal plants. A laboratory for standardization and certification of medicinal plants for use of small growers has been set up. This certification will provide small growers value addition in marketing their produce. NBRI, Lucknow is coordinating this programme

• Owning and Sustaining Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programmes through Rural Women in Selected Villages of India.

Under this programme, ten projects are being implemented at different agro-climatic Zones of the country. This programme aims at identifying cost effective appropriate technologies to solve specific problems, measure the effectiveness of water conservation techniques, field test some technological options and mobilize women for owning and sustaining drinking water and sanitation programmes.

Rural Women's Technology Park

As a model, Technology Parks exclusively for rural women have been facilitated at three locations. The parks will show case location specific technologies relevant to women, provide training and also provide backward and forward linkages so that women would optimally be able to use these technologies to improve their living conditions. Some of the technology packages being delivered to women through these Women Technology Parks are - mushroom cultivation, floriculture, animal husbandry, natural dyes, vanilla bean cultivation, medicinal plant cultivation, nursery raising, aquaculture, fibre utilization, sustainable fodder management, post harvest technology, solar energy utilization, processing and weaving of local wool, women's health and information technology.

Programme on Women's Health

A conscious effort has been made to evolve strategies to identify specific health problems of women and to develop an intervention strategy.

• Three low cost diagnostic kits for detection of urinary tract infection, anemia, blood glucose have been developed. Training of health volunteers in use of these kits is being taken up.
  
• IIT, Mumbai has developed a low cost load handling device for use of women in the construction industry. A patent has been applied for this design.
  
• Shriram Institute for Industrial Research has developed a technology for manufacture of low cost Health and Hygiene products for women. A patent has been applied for.
  
• Programme of intervention for non-communicable diseases of women in the postmenopausal & the reproductive age is being implemented by AIIMS in selected slums of Delhi.
  
• Intervention strategy is being designed for women rag pickers handling hospital waste.

Future Programmes

Some of the areas that will be focused in future programmes are:

Women Technology Park for the east, coastal region and central India, fuel and energy, skill upgradation in pottery and ceramics, Ergonomically designed and user friendly tools and implements for women, horticulture, post harvest technology, drinking water management, and IT software.

National Award for women's development through the application of Science and Technology

This award was given away by the Hon'ble Minister for science and Technology on 8th March in a function to commemorate International Women's Day held at Vigyan Bhavan. The recipients of this years award were Dr. Krisna Srinath, Central Institute of Fisheries technology and Ms. Viji Srinivasan, ADITI, Patna, for their outstanding contribution in technology transfer that have made sustainable changes in the lives of rural women.