Rural technology & core groups changemakers and achievers

Changemakers and Achievers I
Changemakers and Achievers
Editors: D. Raghunandan, Chander Mohan, Sunil K Agarwal, Kalpana Arora
Science for Equity, Empowerment & Development (SEED) Division
Department of Science andTechnology, New Delhi
Innovating for those at the Bottom of the Pyramid
RURAL TECHNOLOGIES & CORE GROUPS

Rural Technologies & Core GroupsII
Department of Science and Technology
New Delhi
©2016-17
The Information given in this book may be reproduced without prior permission. Source should however,
be acknowledged.
Design & Layout
Dr. Sunil K. Agarwal, DST
Rajeev Choudhury, CTD
Editorial Support
Dr. Anish N P, DST
Rajeev Choudhury, CTD
Compiled and Composed by:
Cente for Technology and Dvelopment
D-158, Lower Ground Floor
Saket
New Delhi 110 017
Published by:
Science for Equity, Empowerment & Development (SEED) Division
Department of Science and Technology
Technology Bhawan
New Mehrauli Road
New Delhi-110 016.
Printed by:
Shivam Enterprises
80, DSIDC Shed
Okhla
New Delhi 110 020
Disclaimer:
Maps used in this book are for Schematic depiction and illustration purpose only and are not intended
to be accurate and used for reference purposes. Reprsentations of political boundaries between States of
India, or borders between India and other countries, are not accurate and do not reflect any opinion and
position of the editors.
The choice and presentation of the facts included in this publication and the opinion expressed therein
are based on the experiences of the contributory organisations and not necessarily those of DST or CTD
and they cannot be held accountable for the above.
Solar Dome Lighting
Device
By NBIRT,
Tripura
Microwaveable
Terracotta Pots
By IRTC,
Kerala
Millet De-husking
Machine
By MPVS,
Madhya Pradesh
Solar Drier
By SEED,
Hyderabad
Domestic Egg
Incubating Machine
By Vigyan Ashram,
Maharastra
Energy efficient Trolley
for Street Vendor
By VIB,
West Bengal
Improved Watermill
By HESCO,
Uttarakhand
Products from Vetiver
By PDS,
Kerala

Changemakers and Achievers III
Acknowledgement
Many organizations and individuals have contributed towards successful implementation of
Core Support Groups’ programme of SEED Division, DST. The foremost among them is Team-
DST without whose support the Core Support Programme would not have been possible. We
would like to thank all the members of the visiting Expert Groups as well as esteem members
of the Expert Committee who have provided valuable suggestions and guidance from time to
time to enable each of the CSG to be more effective in terms of technology appropriation and
delivery as per the users’ need in different geographical regions across the country. They guided
the Programme at each step and allowed the TARA scheme to be flexible for finding innovative
and affordable technological solutions, primarily for rural application.
An equal share of thanks go to all partner CSGs for all the hard work and dedication
in executing their Core activities on the ground while working with communities and
other stakeholders in rural and remote areas and for periodic feedbacks to fine-tune the
technologies.
A special thanks goes to Dr. Anish N.P., Scientist B, SEED, DST and the CTD team especially
Shri Rajeev Choudhury who have helped to coordinate, compile and document relevant
information smoothly for this knowledge product.
Chander Mohan Dr. Sunil K Agarwal
Scientist - G & Head Scientist E
SEED Division In-charge TARA Scheme
DST SEED Division , DST

Rural Technologies & Core GroupsIV
STD
HRG
CTD
HESCO
WWF
WWF
BAIF
BAIF
SPRERI
DA
MPVS
SRI
VIB
NBIRT
VA
CSV
ARTI
RC
TIDE
SEED
MSSRF
IRTC
PDS
MITRANIKETAN
VK
MCRC
CIKS
MAP NOT TO SCALE
MAP & CORE GROUP LOCATION FOR INDICATIVE PURPOSE ONLY
TARA: Geographical Spread of Core Support Groups of DST

Changemakers and Achievers V
Contents
Foreword VI
Preface VIII
List of Abbreviations XI
Introduction 1
Appropriate Rural Technology Institute (ARTI) 4
BAIF Development Research Foundation 9
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS) 12
Centre of Science for Villages (CSV) 15
Society For Economic & Social Studies (SESS) / Centre for Technology & Development (CTD) 18
Development Alternatives (DA) 25
Himalayan Environmental Studies & Conservation Organization (HESCO) 33
Himalayan Research Group (HRG) 38
Integrated Rural Technology Centre (IRTC) 43
Shri AMM Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre (MCRC) 46
Mitraniketan 49
Madhya Pradesh Vigyan Sabha (MPVS) 54
M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)/Community Agro-biodiversity Centre (CAbC) 58
NB Institute for Rural Technology (NBIRT) 61
Peermade Development Society (PDS) 64
Rural Communes (RC) 67
Society for Energy, Environment & Development (SEED) 70
Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute (SPRERI) 74
Society for Rural Industrialization (SRI) 77
Society for Technology & Development (STD) 81
Technology Informatics Design Endeavour (TIDE) 84
Vigyan Ashram (VA) 90
Vivekananda Institute of Bio-Technology (VIB) 95
Vivekananda Kendra Natural Resources Development Project (VK-NARDEP) 99
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF India) 104
Afterword 107

Rural Technologies & Core GroupsVI

Changemakers and Achievers VII

Rural Technologies & Core GroupsVIII
9th May, 2016

Rural Technologies & Core GroupsX

Changemakers and Achievers XI
List of Abbreviations
AAT Alternate Analytical Technology
AIVIA All India Village Industries Association
ANERT Agency for Non-Conventional Energy & Rural Technology
ANGRAU Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University
AP Andhra Pradesh
APCTT Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology
ARTI Appropriate Rural Technology Institute
ASTRA Application of Science and Technology for Rural Areas
ATMA Agricultural Technology Management Agency
BAIF Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation
BGA Blue-Green Algae
BIS Bureau of Indian Standards
CAbC Community Agro-Biodiversity Centre
CAPART Council for the Advancement of Peoples Action and Rural Technology
CASTFORD Centre for Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development
CFTRI Central Food Technological Research Institute
CG Chattisgarh
CGCRI Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute
CIAE Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering
CIKS Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
CLRI Central Leather Research Institute
CPC Circular Paper Chromatography
CSG
CSR
Core Support Group
Corporate Social Responsibility
CSV Centre Of Science for Villages
CTCRI Central Tuber Crops Research Institute
CTD/SESS Centre for Technology & Development/ Society for Economic & Social Studies
DA Development Alternatives
DBRT Diploma in Basic Rural Technology
DIC Design Innovation Centre
DRDA District Rural Development Agencies
DRDO Defence Research and Development Organization
DST Department of Science and Technology
DVET Directorate of Vocational Education & Training
DWSD Drinking Water and Sanitation Department
FCRA Foreign Contribution Regulation Act
FRP Fiber Reinforced Plastic

Rural Technologies & Core GroupsXII
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority Of India
FSW Foundry Slag Waste
GIS Geographic Information System
GoI Government of India
HDPE High-Density Polyethylene
HESCO Himalayan Environmental Studies & Conservation Organization
HP Himachal Pradesh
HPC High Potency Compost
HPTLC High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography
HRG Himalayan Research Group
HUDCO Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited
IBT Introduction to Basic Technology
ICT Information and Communication Technologies
IIEST Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology
IIT Indian Institute of Technology
INM Integrated Nutrient Management
IRTC Integrated Rural Technology Centre
J&K Jammu & Kashmir
JLG Joint Liability Group
KSCSTE Kerala State Council for Science, Technology And Environment
KSSP Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishath
kVA Kilo-Volt-Ampere
KVIB Khadi & Village Industries Board
KVIC Khadi and Village Industries Commission
KVK Krishi Vigyan Kendra
kW Kilowatt
LABL Lighting a Billion Lives (Programme)
LDPE Low-Density Polyethylene
LED Light-Emitting Diode
LEISA Low External Input and Sustainable Agriculture
LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas
MP Madhya Pradesh
MCRC Shri Amm Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre
MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MNRE Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
MoRD Ministry of Rural Development
MPVS Madhya Pradesh Vigyan Sabha
MSSRF M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation

Changemakers and Achievers XIII
MSW Marble Sludge Waste
NABARD National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development
NBIRT NB Institute for Rural Technology
NBRI National Botanical Research Institute
NEO Non-Edible Oils
NGO Non-Governmental Organization.
NIIST National Institute of Inter-Disciplinary Science & Technology
NIOS National Institute of Open Schooling
NLM National Literacy Mission
NRDC National Research Development Corporation
NTFP Non Timber Forest Produce
PDS Peermade Development Society
ppb Parts Per Billion
PRC Picture Raising Chromatography
PSB Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria
PV Photo-Voltaic
R&D Research & Development
RC Rural Communes
RCC Reinforced Cement Concrete
RLE Reality Learning Engine
RR Random Rubble
RRL Regional Research Laboratory
RTC Rural Technology Centre
RTS Ready to Serve (Drinks)
S&T Science and Technology
SEED Society for Energy, Environment & Development
SHG Self-Help Group
SPRERI Sardar Patel Renewable Energy Research Institute
SRI Society for Rural Industrialization
STD Society for Technology & Development
STED Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development
TAL Terai Arc Landscape
TARA Technological Advancement for Rural Areas
TIDE Technology Informatics Design Endeavour
TN Tamil Nadu
TNAU Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
TRIFED Tribal Co-Operative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited
UP Uttar Pradesh

Rural Technologies & Core GroupsXIV
UCOST Uttarakhand State Council for Science & Technology
Uk Uttarakhand
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
UV Ultraviolet
VA Vigyan Ashram
VAM Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza
VFD Variable-Frequency Drive
VIB Vivekananda Institute of Bio-Technology
VK Vivekananda Kendra
VK-NARDEP Vivekananda Kendra - Natural Resources Development Project
WB West Bengal
WWF-India World Wide Fund for Nature - India

1Changemakers and Achievers
Introduction
The Core Support programme under the TARA (Technological Advancement for Rural
Areas) Scheme of SEED Division, DST, is unique in many ways. It is based on the idea that
rural innovation is best done by S&T-capable actors with roots in the rural society & economy,,
working in close collaboration with S&T Institutions and National Laboratories and other
partners sharing common interests. This idea of a “bottom-up” system of innovation and its
practice, has in the past often prompted scepticism, born perhaps more out of pre-conception
than objective analysis and experience.
The Core Support programme of DST is also distinctive because it is not an institutional grant
but performance-linked long-term financial support to S&T based NGOs covering multiple five-
year periods, subject to periodic field reviews, for action research based on identified geographic
or thematic needs. The scheme enables recipient organizations to retain “core” S&T human
resources over a prolonged period which limited-duration projects usually do not. Crucially,
Core Support provides flexibility even while concrete field-based outcomes are delivered. In
the process, the Core Support Groups (CSG) not only develop and demonstrate replicable
technologies through adaptive R&D as per identified needs and field conditions, but also bring
about changes in institutional roles and relationships. The present book seeks to showcase the
work done by the CSGs and illustrate their role as agents of change for the better.
DST had brought out compilations of technologies emanating from the CSGs earlier also.
This latest volume has taken a relatively long time to come to fruition, due partly to changing
circumstances and partly to shifting ideas about what it should contain. A constant dilemma was,
should the book profile technologies, or should it concentrate on processes and their implications
for organizations and their dynamics? Ultimately, it was decided to focus on technologies since
these are the hard outputs expected from the Core Support Programme. At the same time, this
Volume, hopefully, also provides some illustration of the approach that each CSG has taken in
the course of its work in technology development and dissemination.
This book presents brief profiles of many technologies, enterprise models where applicable,
dissemination strategies and outcomes of the work done by respective Core Support Groups.
While only the highlights are presented of work done during earlier periods under Core Support
as this has been covered in greater detail in earlier DST publications, work done during the
current phase of Core Support i.e., from 2008 to date, is covered in greater detail. Effort has also
been made to present, in some cases, a brief overview of outreach achieved and impacts made at
the bottom-of-the-pyramid by networks of Core Groups and target communities. For some Core
Support Groups which emphasize such activities, Enterprise or Business Models have also been
presented so as to illustrate how each of these Groups has translated the technologies developed
into sustainable enterprises or commercially run operations.

2 Rural Technologies & Core Groups
Each CSG has distinct core competences and focuses on diverse dimensions of the innovation
process. The profiles in this book show that some Groups are focused sharply on evolving
complete, replicable technology packages and seeing them through to commercialization, while
others show greater strength in adapting available technologies to local conditions and effectively
promoting their absorption by local user groups and their integration into rural economies.
Some Groups tackle whole technology sector with an eye on pan-India applicability, while others
take on numerous issues faced by users in the region, seeking to maximize local impact and
horizontal spread. There is no value preference attached to any of these approaches, each having
its own merits and advantages. Also, efforts are being made to expand the spread of TARA
Scheme to hitherto unrepresented/ under-represented regions of the country. Nevertheless the
existing CSGs have been able to disseminate their technolgies almost across the country.
It is hoped that this volume would be of interest, and practical use, to diverse categories of
readers, ranging from NGOs and other grassroots practitioners, to development agencies and
planners, academic and S&T Institutions, funding agencies - both national and international-
and all others involved with the development and deployment of technologies for rural upliftment
and growth. Effort has been made to present information useful and of interest to all the
stakeholders besides making a contribution to the relevant literature in the subject.
Jai Hind!
Editors

Our Partners

Appropriate Rural Technology Institute (ARTI)
Pune, Maharashtra
Mission & Brief History
ARTI’s main goal is to provide rural people with affordable modern amenities, including
improvedenergyproducts,agriculturalsolutionsand,intheprocess,tocreateruralentrepreneurs
and provide them livelihood opportunities.
Members of Appropriate Rural Technology Institute (ARTI) are scientists, technologists
and social workers, who successfully implemented, from 1978 to 1996, a project under the
Indian Institute of Education, Pune called ‘Centre for Application of Science and Technology
for Rural Development (CASTFORD)’ supported by the then Science & Society (now SEED)
Division, Department of Science and Technology, as well as by CAPART. In 1996, personnel of
the CASTFORD project formed a new Society under the name of Appropriate Rural Technology
Institute (ARTI), to carry forward the work undertaken till then.
Technologies Developed & Deployed (2002 - 2010)
Plant Nursery Techniques : This is an alternative type of nursery for seasonal
crops, and provides for steady annual incomes while meeting a felt need of farmers. Seedlings
of seasonal crops such as sugarcane, pigeon pea, cotton. etc. can be grown on nurseries (away
from the farmer’s land which can be used for other purposes) during summers when water is
scarce and transplantation can be done after onset of monsoon. A set of innovative techniques
for raising Nurseries and promoting plant growth has also been developed.
Tissue Culture: In this technology, tissue culture is used only to produce mother
plants in a simple laboratory using pressure cookers instead of autoclaves, rain water instead of
distilled water, and jam jars instead of expensive Borosil® or Pyrex® ware. The mother plants
are transferred to satellite nurseries where next generation plants are raised through vegetative
multiplication under a pesticide umbrella. Sugarcane, banana, ginger and turmeric grown in
this manner are found to fetch good returns.
Farming on Permanent Raised Beds: Another innovative cultivation technique which
reduces inputs and improves productivity of crops.
Charcoal from Agricultural Waste: Targeting mainly sugarcane “trash” which is
often simply burnt in the fields in many parts
of India, this award-winning technology, using
simple local materials such as oil drums, converts
agricultural waste to charcoal, which is then
briquetted manually or with a small & simple
machine. ARTI has also developed a stove that
uses these briquettes.
Biogas from Starchy, Sugary, and
Cellulosic Waste: Anaerobic fermentation of
suitable materials such as agro-residues, kitchen
wastes, etc. produce biogas in small quantities
useful for household applications. This digester
is made from locally available components. Domestic Biogas Plant

Improved Cookstoves: ARTI had
earlier developed a series of fuel-efficient
wood-burning cookstoves including a famous
stove made from Pottery components. More
advanced models were developed later. The
Sampadapyrolysisgasstoveburnswoodyagro-
residues to produce pyrolysis gas in the basal
part of the stove which is then burnt directly
above with provision of adequate secondary
air, yielding a clean high-temperature flame
and charcoal as a by-product. This range of
energy-saving technologies has attracted
national and international recognition and
established ARTI’s reputation as a developer
of innovative solutions in clean, environment-friendly biomass-based energy technologies.
Dissemination & Impact: Impact achieved through dissemination of these technologies
over the years is summarized in the Table below.
Technology Year
Developed
Current
Cost (Rs.)
Dissemination Direct
Beneficiaries
Adopting
Agencies
Enterprises
Created*
Add’l
Incomes/
Savings
Sampada
Pyrolysis Gas
Stove
2002-10 2,500 >1,500 no.s >6,000 incl.
thru training
MNRE,
Shell
Found’n
15 1,500 pm/
beneficiary
Nursery &
Tissue Culture
2002-10 10-15 lakhs 10 50 - 10 15,000
pm per
beneficiary
Low cost
Bamboo Water
storage Tank
2002-10 3/litre 20 100 - 15 50% of
normal tank
cost
*As of 2015-16
Geographical Coverage: ARTI’s work is generally not limited to a specific geographical
area. However, because of its physical location, there has been more widespread influence in
Maharashtra state.
Technologies Developed & Deployed (2011-2016)
In the current Phase of Core Support, ARTI has worked on the following thrust areas:
• Biomass briquettes from non-fodder waste biomass
• Converting agricultural and other waste into high grade fuel
• Biogas from non-fodder green biomass
• Electricity generation from biogas
• Improving durability of domestic and community (large) -sized cookstoves
• Entrepreneurship training
Major technologies developed in this phase are highlighted below.
Biomass Briquettes from Waste Biomass: Various small machines have been
developed under this broad category viz:
• Hand-operated briquetting machine
Improved Cookstoves

• Mould for honey-comb briquettes
• Briquetting machine operated on 1-
and 3-phase electric motor.
Biogas from Green Biomass:
A modification in the design of Biogas
plants was evolved wherein un-digested
debris could be removed from the digester
without stopping the process of gas
production by introducing a drain at the
bottom of the digester. Gas production
was also improved by use of different filler
materials, for instance porous pumice
stone, pieces of bricks, plastic, charcoal,
etc. in the digester.
Electricity from Biogas: This mainly involves scaling down existing systems for
electricity generation from biogas by introducing modifications in available smaller gensets and
attachments.
Improved Durability of Domestic and Community Cookstoves: The durability
of Laxmi, Grihalaxmi, and Bhaghyalaxmi domestic stoves and Chapati, Khova and Laxmi 150
large-sized cookstoves was improved by using cement, stone grit, stone powder, fly ash, fire clay
and fire bricks.
Waste Biomass Incinerator: Solid biomass wastes are usually disposed through open
burning resulting in air pollution and objections from local communities. The ARTI system
developed in 2011 provides for controlled incineration of waste biomass with recovery of useful
heat. This simple but innovative device burns waste biomass materials and uses the heat
generated to heat water for various purposes. The natural draft system reduces capital as well
as operational costs. The system has been
adopted by several municipalities, village
panchayats, hostels and small hospitals.
Gasifier Stove (for light, powdery
biomass): This portable metallic gasifier
stovemodelnamed‘Vivek’modifiesandscales-
up earlier ARTI designs for in-situ pyrolysis of
biomass fuels and combustion of the resultant
gases to give a blue flame. Vivek uses light,
powdery and usually wasted biomass such as
sawdust, dry grass, groundnut shells, floor
sweepings, etc.
The new Vivek model has also been used
for heating the die of a leaf plate hand operated
machine in Baripada district of Odisha.
Institutional Biogas Unit
Waste Biomass Incinerator

Biomass Incinerator for Domestic Hot Water Generation
Top View
Side View

Important Technological Interventions
Specific Details Compact Biogas System
(User friendly biogas plant)
Industrial large-sized
biogas system
Large sized community
cook stoves
Incinerator
Innovation • Compact system without
dung
• High calorie feed
• Clean methane gas for
cooking
• Slurry as organic nutrient
for garden, field
• Industrial waste
disposal
• Methane for heating etc
• Slurry as organic
manure
• Natural draft
• Large quantity cooking,
heating
• Non-process biomass
used as fuel
Natural draft burning
unit.
Disposal of industrial
or hospital waste.
Heating water
How product is
distributed
Plants installed by trained
persons: 50 entrepreneurs
Plants installed by trained
persons under supervision
of ARTI. 10 entrepreneurs
Installed by trained
persons. 25
entrepreneurs
Installed by trained
artisans/ entrepreneurs
as per users need 10
entrepreneurs
Outreach > 4500 plants at individual
homes
> 150 units at canteens,
Ashram schools,
restaurants
> 350 units at Ashram
school, Hotels, Temples,
Ayurved Labs
> 50 units at
Panchayats and
hospitals
Capital Investment Rs 5 Lakh Rs 10 Lakh Rs 1.5 Lakh Rs 35,000
Payback period 8-10 months 18 months 4-5 months 6 months
Recognition
• Vasundhara Mitra Award 2012 for Environment by Kirloskar Vasundhara International Festival
• The Institution of Engineers (India) ‘DSK Energy Award 2011’ for outstanding contribution in
energy sector.
• Zee Ananya Samman 2012 for Remote village electrification by use of biomass based technology.
Contact
Organization Name: Appropriate Rural Technology Institute
Contact Person: R.D.Hanbar-Deshmukh, President
Address: Maninee Apartments, Survey No.13, Dhayarigaon
Pune 411041, Maharashtra.
Phone: +91-20-24392284,
Tel Fax: +91-20-24390348
E-mail: arti_pune@vsnl.net; arti_phaltan@rediffmail.com
Website: www.arti-india.org

BAIF Development Research Foundation
Pune, Maharashtra
BAIF Development Research Foundation was started way back in 1967 to promote sustainable
livelihoodsinruralIndia. SincethenBAIFhasbeenimplementingmulti-disciplinaryprogrammes
and serving over 4.5 million families spread over 80,000 villages in 16 states of India. The main
programme areas include livestock development through promotion of dairy husbandry, efficient
use of water resources through innovative water conservation measures, agri-horti-forestry
on dry lands, and appropriate technologies to conserve precious natural resources through
community involvement. BAIF has adopted a strategy of blending applied research and training
with development activities. On-station and on-farm research are both carried out with active
involvement of stakeholders.
BAIF has also identified a number of key areas in which focused work needs to be taken
up, such as to develop appropriate programme packages for niche areas having unique agro-
climatic, bio-physical characteristics and socio- economic settings. Deserts and arid regions of
India are a case in point. The work involves fine tuning of individual sectoral programmes, as
well as developing packages of appropriate technologies and interventions specific to the niche
areas and social settings
Geographic and Thematic Coverage: Under Core Support, BAIF has set up a Desert
Development Centre covering the desert and arid belts of Northwest India, mainly western
Rajasthan and the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. Currently the field action component lies in the
district of Barmer in Rajasthan and Bhuj district in Kutch. Trials are also being conducted
at BAIF’s Research Centre at Nanodara near Ahmedabad. Thrust areas for innovation and
intervention are as follows:
• Farming systems (agriculture + horticulture + fodder+ forestry)
• Technology options for tapping of rain water, improved water storage and water use
efficiency including revival of useful traditional water conservation practices with required
improvements
• Region-specific livestock resources and breeds of cattle, buffalo, goat and sheep
• Technologies, tools and equipment for reducing hardship and improving the quality of women in
arid zones
Technologies Developed & Deployed (2014 Onwards)
Since only about 18 months of field work have been done under Core Support, no complete
technology packages have been developed or are being reported. Instead, some initial efforts and
measures implemented are highlighted here.
Farming system model i.e. combinations of context-specific agriculture, horticulture, forestry
and fodder cultivation are being attempted in Kutch and Barmer, for example:
Fruit Crops: 9 varieties of Date Palm, 7 varieties of Ber, Pomegranate, Fig, Gunda,
Dragon fruit, Mango and Karonda along with trials and studies on innovative propagation with
respect to survival, growth, water requirement, yield, required management practices, overall
economics

Indicative Visual Model Combining Multi Sectoral Technology Introduction at Family Level in Desert
1 Crop specific interventions: Consisting of varietal and performance trials of
potential, economically important and suitable arid crops, On field introduction of arid fruit
crops consisting of a combination of Ber, Gunda, Pomegranate on 0.5 acre area (in Barmer)
and Wadi consisting arid fruit crops consisting of a combination of Date palm, Ber and
Pomegranate (in Kutch) with border plantation of multipurpose arid forestry species, fodder
introduction and intercrops of arid grain crops and vegetable cultivation
2 Water Specific interventions: Improved version of underground consisting
of a combination of tanka and agor interlink with roof water harvesting to store 30,000
liters of water and water is used for drinking for families, livestock and also for irrigation
through low cost drip irrigation system (in Barmer) and water resource development work by
construction of well and bore well recharge measures to reduce salinity of ground water and
improved ground water recharge (in Kutch)
3 Genetic improvement: Introducing elite Ram and buck of Marwari breed of sheep
and goat with good management practices suitable in arid conditions to get higher milk
production from female progeny and male progeny with higher body weight (in Barmer)
Introduction of door step agricultural input services to upgrade local breed of Banni buffaloes,
Kankrej and Gir cattle with good management practices including Silvipasture and fodder
development programme for availability of quality fodder to get higher milk production (in
Kutch)
4 Introduction of technologies and tools: To reduce the hardship of women in
arid/ desert areas.Technology gap analysis and scouting and demonstration like Solar light in
Dhani, improved cooking stove and installation of hand pump on tanks, etc.

Fodder Species: Sevan, Dhaman, Napier and Bajra. Standardization of Cactus
(Opuntia ficus indica) production is also being explored.
Forestry & Salinity Resistant Species: Guggle, Sesbania, Khejari, Ardu, Subabul,
budded Khejari (Prosopis cineraria)
Agriculture: Native or improved varieties of vegetables, cereals and pulses and oilseeds
like Brinjal, Chilly, Tomato, Cauliflower, Water Melon, Kachari Cow Pea, Mung, etc.
Rainwater Storage and Water-use Efficiency: Various options are being studied
and explored such as:
• Revival of traditional water harvesting and storage systems e.g., underground Tanka or large
sump in Barmer, agor (concrete catchment area around a Tanka), linking Tankas with Roof-top
Water Harvesting Systems, Linking two Tankas to channelize excess water
• Well and borewell recharge measures for rain water harvesting, tapping of sweet water and to
reduce salinity in Kutch
• Roof-top Rainwater Harvesting model to suit the region
• Introduction of gravity-based drip irrigation system, performance appraisal, analysis and
standardization
• Innovative water-use optimization technologies like Groasis Water Box, Tal-ya-Trey from
Israel
Livestock Resources and Breeds: Native breeds of cattle, buffalo, goat and sheep
are being studied through participatory action research to identify possible interventions such
as:
• ex situ conservation of local breeds of cattle and buffalo, for example Kankarej, Gir and Banni in
Kutch is being attempted and some protocols have been formulated. Similarly, a system for door-
step services for improved breeding such as Artificial Insemination is developed and introduced
in the field and performance is being assessed towards scientific improvement of context-specific
livestock. Efforts are also being made to build capabilities of local youth to work as para-vets
offering paid services in other areas
• elite Marwari ram and buck of Marwari goat have been scouted and introduced for improvement
of local genetic base and enhanced yield. Scientific Goat management practices and knowledge
about practices like fattening, fickle sample analysis, feeding, shed management, etc are also
being disseminated in the region
• fodder species (grasses and trees) are being tried out along with a package of practices. Fodder
species include Sevan (Lasiurus scindicus), Dhaman (Cenchrus ciliaris), Oats (Avena sativa),
BAIF Bajra, Hybrid Napier No.10. Fodder species and trees are also sought to be introduced on
degraded or other community pastoral lands
Drudgery Reducing Tools and Equipment: Some initial efforts include Solar pumps for
lifting water from Tankas, Khejri leaf plucker, seed planter, household solar lighting, weeders,
improved cookstoves, chaff cutters, etc.
Contact
Organization Name: BAIF Development Research Foundation
Contact Person: Shri. G.G. Sohani, President
Address: BAIF Bhavan
Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar Warje
Pune 411058, Maharashtra.
Phone: +91-20 25231661
Fax: +91-20 25231662/
E-mail: baif@baif.org.in
Website: www.baif.org.in

Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS)
Chennai
Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS) was registered in 1995 as a Trust with the
objectiveofbuildingtechnicalandinstitutionalcapacitiesofthefarmingcommunityforsustainable
agriculture based on indigenous practices, knowledge and wisdom. Activities include research,
capacity building through training programmes, bio-diversity conservation, seed conservation,
production of inputs for organic agriculture, forming women’s self-help groups, building and
strengthening of farmers’ institutions, production of education and training material, assistance
in marketing of farmers’ organic produce and so on. CIKS has made concerted efforts to develop
packages of practices for organic agriculture, collection of traditional seed varieties, setting up
revolving funds with proven smooth loan recovery, wide outreach through newsletters and other
publications.
Geographical Coverage: CIKS works in the following districts for activities taken up
under Core Support
1. Tiruvannamalai – Jawadhu Hills
2. Nagapattinam
3. Kancheepuram
Plant Products for Crop Protection: A large number of plant products to protect crops
from different pests have been developed and standardised. Whereas substantial traditional
knowledge in the form of texts such as Vriskshayurveda, and much anecdotal evidence from
India and abroad, are available regarding such plant products, the breakthrough contribution
by CIKS has been the considerable scientific work done to standardise and establishing the
efficacy of plant products for pest control. Products have been made from neem, onion, garlic,
Persian lilac, turmeric, ginger, tobacco, pongamia, etc.
Storage Formulations of Bio-Pesticides: Storage of plant-based pesticides or pest-
control agents has been a long-standing problem, standing in the way of widespread and faster
adoption of organic farming. Overcoming this obstacle, CIKS has developed different forms of
plant-based pest control products that have long shelf-life. While juices and kashayams (water
extracts) are good for immediate application, storage forms such as churna (dry powder), thailam
(oil extract), arkam (distillate), asava or arishta (fermented extracts) have been prepared
and standardised for products with shelf-life ranging from 6-12 months to 3-5 years. Many
plants have been used such as Adathoda, Triphala, Andrographis, Prosopis, mint, sweet flag,
Helminthosporium, etc.
Technologies Developed & Deployed (2008 onward )
CIKS has taken up the following thrust areas under the current phase of Core Support.
• Mixed oil (neem and pongamia oil) based soap flakes
• Community Vermi-compost Units
• Organic paddy seed production
• Producer Companies for marketing
• Dryland weed management machinery

Plant-based Soaps for Pest
Management: Under the project, neem
oil, pongamia oil and neem-pongam mixed
oil based soft soap has been developed in the
CIKS laboratory. Spodoptera litura and Aphis
craccivora were reared in laboratory at CIKS
Sirkazhiadoptingstandardrearingprocedures.
Experiments in the Insect Rearing Laboratory
at CIKS, Sirkazhi and Field experiments
during the period have shown that appropriate
formulations of soap solutions, either single
oil or mixed, were very effective against
hoppers, aphics and Spodoptera. Production
and application of these soaps is quite simple
and training of over 680 farmers has shown
that they are easily able to absorb the technology. The soaps can be conveniently produced at
cottage scale and Machinery required is also relatively simple and inexpensive.
Community Neem Oil Soap Units: Two Community Neem Oil Soap making Unit
involving 12 women have been established in Nagapattinam District and have produced 2,250
kg within the project period. 250 farmers from 36 Panchayats have benefitted.
Community Vermicompost Units: CIKS has been involved in training women’s
groups on vermin-composting. Under the present phase, 16 community vermin-compost units
weredevelopedinNagapattinam,Thiruvannamalai,Ramanathapuram,Cuddalore,Kanchipuram
and Karaikal, producing and selling to farmers 215 tonnes of vermi-compost during the project
period, with each women earning on average Rs.700-900 per month. Numerous training
programmes have been conducted related to production, maintenance and vermi-composting
as a business activity. Credit of over Rs.29 lakhs has been successfully raised from concerned
financial institutions.
Organic Seed Production: CIKS has promoted certified organic land of around 712
acres in 5 districts since 2006. Since use of organic seed is mandatory for organic certification,
selected farmers were trained on seed production in August 2014. The lands were registered under
Department of Seed Certification and also enrolled under Organic Certification. Inspections were
conducted by both Department of Seed Certification and IMO Control Private Limited (IMO
India), which is an independent, Certification body in India for organic agriculture and has been
carrying out audits and certification since 1995 based in Bangalore. After approval from both
bodies, adequate quantity of Certified Organic paddy seed was procured and 3 Organic Paddy
Seed Production Centres were established in Nagapattinam, Thiruvannamalai and Kanchipuram
Districts and training programmes have been conducted. 89 tonnes of certified organic paddy
seeds have been produced by 42 farmers during this period. 2,340 farmers have benefited and
3,500 acres covered so far.
Study of Characteristics of Traditional Paddy and Millet Varieties: D u r i n g
the Samba season of 2014 and Samba 2015 (Aug 2014 to January 2015), 103 traditional paddy
varieties were cultivated for seed multiplication in different districts and due protocols followed
as regards spacing between varieties. Of these 103 varieties, 16 varieties are known to have
drought resisting properties. Characteristics of traditional paddy varieties were documented in
these separate locations and farmers’ Exposure Visits were organized to facilitate assessment of
Farmers’ Capacity Building Programme

characteristics of different varieties and selection of varieties suitable for their locations.
Nutritional and therapeutic properties of eight traditional paddy varieties (Kalanamak,
Karungkuruvai, Kovuni, Kudaivazhai, Kullakar, Mappilai Samba, Neelam Samba and
Perungkar) were studied with the support of Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics,
Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai.
Promotion of Producer Company: In order to strengthen Farmers’ institutions and
increase their incomes and social control through social enterprises, 2 Sustainable Farming
Producer Companies were promoted with 5,800 farmers in Tiruvannamalai and Nagapattinam
Districts. The Company is focusing on providing quality support services to the farmers, while
consolidating and scaling up linkages between the farmer-shareholders, credit institutions
and markets, streamlining the process to reduce transaction costs enabling farmers as well as
consumers to benefit. Processes involved, benefits accruing and problems encountered are being
studied.
Recognition
Best Progressive Women Farmer Award winner of 2015 – Mrs. Kanchana Muralidharan,
Allivilagam, a beneficiary of CIKS
Contact
Organization Name: Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems
Contact Person: Subhashini Sridhar
Address: B-3, Rajalakshmi Complex (2nd Floor)
18, Chamiers Road, Nandanam
Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600035.
Phone: +91-44-42188011 / +91 9443277417
E-mail: info@ciks.org, ciksorg@gmail.com
Website: www.ciks.org

Centre of Science for Villages (CSV)
Wardha, Maharashtra
Mission Brief & History
Centre of Science for Villages (CSV) was started in 1976 by its founder Chairman and Director
Late Dr.Devendra Kumar from the premises of Maganwadi in Wardha, where Mahatma Gandhi
began the All India Village Industries Association (AIVIA) in 1934, and where Dr.J.C.Kumarappa
gave shape to he Gandhian concept of Rural Economy. The idea behind CSV was to establish
a place that could act as a node for transfer of technology and be a bridge between National
Laboratories and rural communities. The vision and mission of CSV are to work towards a
holistic and futuristic development of the community based, decentralized village economy and
to demonstrate appropriate rural technologies that are ecologically sound, economically viable
and socially justified.
Technologies Developed & Deployed (1987-2002 )
Mud House with Conical Tile Roof: Simple rural construction made famous as
‘Wardha House’ using locally available material such as mud and potters clay, with mud block
walls and vaulted roof made by using traditional hollow conical roof tiles that provide insulation
in the heat of central India. The technology has spread in South Asia, France and elsewhere and
has been approved by HUDCO, Govt. of India, UNESCO, etc. CSV has constructed thousands
of individual homes, school buildings, farm houses, community halls and Training Centres for
Maharashtra Government.
Toilets: 25,000 ‘Wardha Toilets’ have been built based on a low-cost model with a pan of
high slope requiring very little water and with ferro-cement walls and door.
Smokeless Cookstove: Another famous CSV innovation was the ‘Magan Chulha’ of
which more than 10,000 were installed.
Emitter Irrigation: A novel system of micro-irrigation using small perforated and hollow
clay pipes tapered at both ends joined with plastic tubing to provide need-based irrigation to
fruit and vegetable crops in arid and semi-arid regions. The emitters, placed intermittently
below ground near the root zone, release water on ‘demand’ and stop water flow when the soil
around gets saturated. A drum at the end placed at a height provides water to the piped system
by gravity flow.
Rock-Bee Honey: A set of innovative techniques to harvest honey and wax from Apis
dorsata (Rock bee) and Apis florea (small bees) in a safe, non-violent and eco-friendy manner.
Tools include a Water Spray to temporarily disable the bees from attacking (mostly tribal or
forest-dwelling) honey hunters, clips to hold the hive to the branch, while just the honey comb is
cut, a protective suit and rope ladder. Simple tools to extract the honey and filter out the pollen
are also included. More than 2,000 tribals from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh,
West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh have been trained.
Gum Collection: A simple method of tapping gum using a hormone (etheral) has been
evolved to obtain 3 to 5 times more gum by making only one hole in the tree. The technique has
been popularized to around 5,000 tribals in various States. Over 50 trees have been identified as
gum yielding species.

Improved Farm Tools: CSV has designed, fabricated and trained local blacksmiths and
other artisans to make improved farm tools and equipment such as bullock driven cultivator,
hand weeder, heavy-duty wheeled Cultivator, improved Seed Drill, Improved Sickle and so on.
Boards from Agro-residues: Techniques and equipment have been evolved to make
various boards and even paper from different agricultural residues such as banana stem, coir
pith, cotton stalks, water hyacinth, wheat straw, etc.
Outreach of Various Technologies Developed
Technology Year
Developed
Current Cost
(Rs.)
Beneficiaries
Agencies
Adopting*
Enterprises
Created*
Additional
Incomes/
Savings
Mud Housing 1987 -188 850 / Sq. ft >5,000 >25,000 HUDCO;
MoRD;
Navy etc.
5 40%
saving in
construction
Bamboo
House
1987-88 600 / Sq. ft 1,000 >5,000 Number of
NGOs
20 50%
saving in
construction
Sanitation:
Wardha Toilet
1994 -195 16,000 100 ,000 500,000 Corporate
Sector,
MoRD,
WSSO,
DWSD,
TDD.
100 Indirect
Benefit
(Health)
Non Violent
Honey
Collection
1988-89
onwards
260 / Kg 7,000 Honey
Collectors
35,000
villagers
TRIFED,
KVIC,
100 NGOs
50 300% More
Income
Gum
Collection
and
Processing
1995
Onwards
250 / Kg 5,000 Gum
Gatherers
25,000
villagers
KVIB,
KVIC,
Number of
NGOs
35 500% More
Income
* Till date of reporting
Technology Developed & Deployed (2015 Onwards)
In the new phase of Core Support, the areas identified for intervention are:
• Agriculture-based technologies to address needs of distressed farmers of Vidarbha
• Crops endemic to the region with market potential but which have not yet been tackled by
agriculture universities and research institutions
• Decentralized enterprises for employment of rural youth
• Value-added products from agricultural and forest-based materials
Geographical Coverage: Area of coverage would be mostly in Maharashtra but also
similar regions of Central India.
Some of the problems being tackled or ideas being pursued are as follows:
Local earthworm species such as• Octochaetona serrata are being tried out for vermi-compost
• Potential new crops are being experimented with such as Midnapore Creeper (Rivea
hypocrateriformis), a vegetable; Phalsa fruit (Grewia subinaequalis); Indian Kudzu (Pueraria
tuberosa), a tuber; and Papadi (Ventilago denticulata), an Oil Seed and natural dye

• Cultivation of and formulations from Medicinal Plants such as:
• Gunj (Abrus precatorius)
• Kalihari (Gloriosa superba)
• NTFP entrepreneurship
Recognition
• Kirloskar Vasundhara Puraskar 2013
Contact
Organization Name: Centre of Science for Villages (CSV)
Contact Person: Dr. Soham Pandya, Executive Director
Address: Dr. Devendra Kumar’s Campus, Dattapur
Wardha PIN 442001, Maharashtra.
Phone: +91-7152 - 249542, 243801, 250570
Telefax: +91-20-247561
E-mail: csvwardha@gmail.com; soham.ced@gmail.com
Website: www.csvtech.in
Local Earthworm species (Octochaetona serrata ) being used for Compost Making

Society For Economic & Social Studies (SESS)
Centre for Technology & Development (CTD)
New Delhi/Dehradun
CTD/SESS is a multi-disciplinary group working to promote pro-poor rural development,
in particular S&T-based rural industrialization and sustainable livelihoods, with proven track
record of over three decades. Focus of work is on development and deployment of appropriate
technologies for pro-poor rural enterprises enabling employment and income generation, value-
addition to local resources, and upgradation of local skills (especially of traditional artisans) and
markets. CTD works through participatory action research over the entire innovation chain
covering needs and potential assessment, technology generation or adaptation, enterprise model
and systems design, capacity building & training, productionization & commercialization, and
deployment & dissemination.
Technologies and Models Developed and Deployed (1989-2004)
With its focus on rural industrialization, CTD/SESS works on technologies sector-wise,
treating each sector as an integrated system with technical, organizational, institutional,
political-economic and ecological dimensions.
Core Support was earlier utilized by CTD as a “force multiplier” in developing replicable
technology packages and enterprise models, in particular in conducting field studies, market
analysis, assessment of available technologies, identification of technology gaps, and delineating
and undertaking long-term research programmes towards viable, replicable technologies and
field models. Core Support funding was used to supplement separate R&D or field Demonstration
Projects including several sectoral Co-ordinated Programmes supported by SEED, DST, often
with collaborative linkages catalyzed by CTD with relevant National Laboratories.
Several complete Technology Packages and replicable Rural Enterprise models with locale-
specific variants have been developed, which have received widespread recognition, and been
disseminated by different Agencies through turnkey services offered by CTD.
Leather (Tanning, Carcass Utilization and Products) The basic model is for
Vegetable Tanning (using locale-specific adaptation of Central Leather Research Institute or
CLRI’s Improved Veg-Tanning Process) of raw hides of fallen cattle (those dying of natural
causes) in roughly Block-level networks of leather artisans. Hides flayed and cured at village-
level are converted to Leather at Block-level nodal Tanning Units, the leather being sold chiefly
to local Cobblers or Footwear-makers. Vertical integration is achieved through semi-processing of
higher grade hides and finish-tanning in nearby industrial Units. Finished leathers are brought
back for conversion into Products such as bags, wallets and garments. Apart from the Tanning
process and networked system of production, other innovations include hand-held motorized
Leather-working Machines.
A unique new technology package is for Utilization of Cattle Carcasses (normally left
for carrion) to yield BIS-compliant Meat Meal, Bone Meal (both used as fertilizer or poultry
feed supplements) and Tallow: truly wealth from waste. Primary processing of carcasses to
yield Meat meal and Tallow is done at Cluster-of-villages level whereas finish processing, Bone
crushing, packaging and marketing are performed at a Nodal unit. While the basic technology

package was evolved by CTD, an upgraded version with additional elements was co-evolved with
CLRI, Chennai. Technologies developed or adapted include a wet-rendering Carcass Cooker,
Bone Crusher with Sieve, and other equipment/machinery.
Pottery (Glazed Red-clay Wares): With a perspective of upgraded production
techniques for clusters of Potters and a diversified product range, CTD in collaboration with
the Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI) developed a technology package for
upgrading traditional red clay pottery to medium-temperature glazed wares fired at about
1050°C, giving much better properties. Different forming techniques such as turning on a jigger,
casting and pressing have been introduced along with suitably de-scaled machinery such as Pug
Mill, Ball Mill and an innovative LPG kiln. Potters are able to produce high-value items such as
glazed cookware, table ware, wall and floor tiles, as well as terracotta “beautility” wares.
Fruit & Vegetable Processing: This enterprise model, with related processing
techniques networks small fruit and vegetable growers along with local workers mostly women.
In a classic demonstration of CTD’s famous hub-and-spoke model of distributed enterprises
already noted in Leather, a cottage-scale FSSAI-compliant ‘Mother’ Unit is linked to several
decentralized ‘satellite’ units or cluster-level units undertaking primary processing or semi-
processing operations such as pulping, dressing, spicing for pickling, etc. Small growers get
better prices, for their produce, save wastage (estimated at 30% p.a. nationally) and get higher
returns from value-addition to their produce. Numerous processed products based on locally
available fruit and vegetables, and using traditional recipes not usually found in the market, have
been developed. The model promotes energy-efficient localization of horticultural processing
and value-addition. CTD’s own operation in Dehradun, now being transferred to a beneficiary-
run organization, sells its products under the ‘FARMERS’ SELECTION’™ brand.
Features of Hub-and-Spoke Enterprise Model for Fruit & Vegetable Processing
Technology Details FSSAI compliant Satellite (S) Units (6-8) FSSAI compliant Mother (M) Unit
Product(s) Produced Semi-processed horticultural produce (pulp, juice,
dressed and spiced produce for pickling, etc)
>70 processed Fruits/Veg products e.g. squash,
beverages, preserves, pickles, spice powders, etc
Raw Material All tropical, sub-tropical. temperate produce all raw produce and semi-processed intermediates
Salient features &
Innovativeness
Multi-feed, year-round FSSAI-std factory-mode (not kitchen-scale) production; tackles >30% wastage
of Fruits/Veg through value-addition at/near village-level
Advantages Local (niche) products/flavours; competitive, quality products
Social/Economic/
Ecological
Assists vulnerable small-growers (>65% horti production); women-centric; new jobs & skills; boosts
rural economy
Energy used 1 kVA (1-phase) 5 kVA (3-phase)
Jobs Potential 1 SHG (10-15) (women) each;
120-150 small growers add’l income
10 persons full-time; 40-50 women seasonal
Investment ≈ Rs.2-3 lakhs ≈ Rs.15-25 lakhs (incl building)
Pay Back Period ≈ 3-5 years
Non-Edible Oils This replicable technology package and enterprise model enables
expression of non-edible oils (NEO) from over 20 varieties of NEO seeds such as karanja
(Pongamia spp.), kusum (Schleichera oleosa), mahua (Bassia spp.), rubber seeds, jatropha, neem,
wild apricot and so on. Oil-bearing Kernels are extracted from the Seed at village or cluster-level
whereas Oil expression is done at a Nodal centre pooling kernel from several networked ‘satellite’
centres. An innovative Multi-Seed Decorticator has been developed to remove shells from Seeds
of 4-20mm diameter, while a Hammer Mill handles harder seeds such as Apricot. 10 Pilot Units
have been set up through partner NGOs in different parts of the country processing a variety of

Oilseeds. An enterprise set up and managed by CTD in Uttarakhand produces and markets Wild
Apricot Oil under the ‘WILD ROOTS’™ brand. Operations currently cover 4 Districts and have
witnessed significant rise in prices of hitherto mostly uncollected wild apricot seeds and revival
of interest in cultivating and looking after the trees.
Outreach of Various Technologies Developed
Technology Year
Developed
Current Cost
(Rs. lakhs)
Disseminated Direct
Beneficiaries*
Agencies
Adopting
Enterprises
Created
Additional
Incomes
Generated
(Rs.)+
Leather
Tanning
1989 10 12 1,400 Nat. Leather
Mission;
CAPART
12 125
Carcass
Util.
1991 18 40 1,300 UNDP; NLM;
CAPART; Rur
Dev Min; D/o
Anim. Husb;
KVIC; KVIB
40 400 lakhs pa
Fruit
Processing
1998 20-25 45 2,200 DST; APCTT;
UNDP;
UCOST;
CAPART;
NGOs
40 600 lakhs pa
*As per the reports last received +
lakhs pa
Core Support grant was received for the periods 2008-13 and 2013 onwards for different
Thrust Areas namely:
Non-traditional Plant-based Fibres: extraction and treatment •
Saponin-bearing Plant Extracts •
All-Natural Soap-based Products •
Value-added Packaged Products from Millets/other ‘minor’ grains •
In keeping with the pattern from 2013 onwards, Thrust Areas for the current period have
been delineated such that complete Technology Packages and Rural Enterprises can be evolved
and delivered at the end of the five-year period.
Geographical Coverage CTD/SESS usually works in broad technology sectors rather
than on geographically-centred problems. However, within the scope of Core Support, CTD/
SESS works on the above sectors both generically as well as with specific reference to resources,
skills and needs in Uttarakhand with an eye on potential for replication in nearby regions and
in other relevant areas of the country.
Within Uttarakhand, activities are focused in Dehradun, Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Pauri
Districts.
Plant-based Fibres Use of plant fibres is gaining in popularity either by themselves
or in composites to make a wide variety of industrial, utility and decorative products. In
India, efforts have so far focused on sisal (agave), banana and to a lesser extent on pineapple.
Interventions have been made in the rural enterprise sector too, but these have mostly focused
on product design and marketing. CTD decided to focus its efforts on the gap area of extraction
and treatment techniques which would bring maximum benefit to people in areas where these
2008-13
2013-18

plants originate. In Uttarakhand, CTD decided to concentrate on non-traditional plants such
as industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa), bhimal (Grewia optiva) and Himalayan Nettle (Urtica
dioica).
Key problem identified was the long time taken by traditional retting techniques for fibre
extraction and, especially, the problems posed
by acute scarcity of water and pollution issues
in the Himalayan region. CTD therefore
developed appropriate equipment/machinery
and techniques under Core Support 2008-13
to mechanically extract and soften the Fibres.
A major innovation has been development of
a Multi-Fibre Decorticator that can handle
all the Fibres taken up. Prototypes of other
equipment and corresponding protocols were
also developed.
However, the full technology package and
enterprise model still await development
because the required Pre-carding and
Carding Machines (currently available only
in industrial scales not suitable for rural
enterprises) could not be developed within the Core Support time and budget, along with design
and productionization of fabrics, other material and high-value products. A separate Project for
the same has been developed.
Saponin Extracts from Plant Materials A variety of plant materials including wild
flora contain saponins, and are traditionally used in India especially by rural communities in
the hill areas of Uttarakhand, for body or hair application or for washing clothes. Numerous
commercial products with plant extracts in different proportions also flourish in the market,
and are becoming increasingly popular. However, rural areas barely benefit from this commerce,
and rural communities hardly figure even in the supply chain which is dominated by traders.
Many such plant materials such as Ritha (Sapindus mukorossi) are even exported, but in raw
form.
During2008-13,CTDdevelopedaprocessingsystemandcorrespondingprotocolsforpreparing
aqueous saponin-bearing Extracts that could be used as intermediates or to further make finished
products in Rural Enterprises. The system
has capacity to process about 250kg of Ritha
pericarp, with concentrated saponin-bearing
aqueous extract as output. The Extract was
also stabilized to give reasonable shelf-life.
Extract was also made from bhimal (Grewia
optiva), using as raw material the ‘sawdust’
left as a by-product (about 90% by weight)
after fibre extraction described above.
All-Natural Soap Products
Under Core Support 2013-18, CTD undertook
to develop a complete Technology Package and
Multi Fibre Extraction Machine
Saponin Extraction System

launch a Rural Enterprise for value-added products from saponin-bearing plant materials, using
the above-described Extract as raw material. The Extract would be prepared during peak season
of raw material availability, and stored in bulk for preparing products throughout the year.
Priority materials of Uttarakhand available in sufficient quantity to permit sustainable
commercial utilization were identified as:
• Ritha (Sapindus mukorossi)
• Bhimal (Grewia optiva)
Product mix will comprise all-natural, fully bio-degradable personal care and home care
products. India has inadequate standards for this category of products, whereas the EU permits
up to 20% chemical ingredients and the US calls for 95% or higher Eco-Certified ingredients for
products to be labeled ‘Organic.’ CTD has decided to follow US standards and aim for completely
organic or all-natural products.
The following products and corresponding protocols have been developed using only Eco-
Certified additives, tested in-house and in different laboratories:
• Shampoo
• Laundry Wash Liquid
• Laundry Wash for silk, wool, etc (from bhimal)
• Dish Wash Liquid
• Hand Wash Solution
Formal regulatory approvals and licensing as applicable will be obtained during 2016-17. In
parallel, the Enterprise will be set up and target population, mostly women, will be trained.
It is proposed to prepare, stabilize and bulk-pack the Extract at the cluster-of-villages level,
and protocols have been optimized for such decentralized operations. Finishing, packaging and
marketing will be undertaken at the Nodal level for which necessary facilities will be set up
during 2016-17.
Branding and packaging exercises have been initiated. The products would be marketed
under the up-market Wild Roots™ brand.
Enterprise is expected to be up and running by end of the 2013-18 Core Support period.
Packaged Foods from Millets: The State of Uttarakhand is the third largest producer
of Millets in India and their cultivation forms an important part of traditional agriculture,
although this is declining as in other parts of the country due to consumer preference for
‘finer’ grains such as rice and wheat. CTD is seeking to reverse this trend by developing and
popularizing value-added FSSAI-compliant nutrition-rich Packaged Products. This is expected
to boost demand for Millets and motivate farmers towards reviving Millet cultivation, and also
provide new jobs and incomes locally.
The 5-year (2008-13) action research programme aims to fill all technology gaps, develop
a suitable range of products, evolve production-scale protocols, build capacities of the target
population, mostly women, set up a Rural Enterprise maximizing grassroots employment
and incomes, conduct necessary exercises for branding and packaging, and finally escort the
Enterprise towards full commercial operation.
The priority Millets and other nutrition-rich grains identified based on availability and
popularity in the region and elsewhere are:
• Finger Millet (mandua in Hindi, ragi in the South; Eleusine coracana)
• Barnyard Millet (jhangora in Hindi; Echinochloa frumentacea)

• Amaranth (ramdana in Hindi; hailed as the new ‘superfood’)
Millets De-Huller, found to be a major technology gap, was adapted for multi-grain operation
from a machine developed by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) Extension Centre
at Coimbatore in collaboration with the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE),
Bhopal. SHGs at village or cluster-level can now reduce drudgery involved in hand-pounding
and sell the de-hulled grain at a higher price.
Severalsuchcluster-levelUnitsareproposedtobenetworkedaroundaNodalUnitundertaking
the baking, other finish-processing, packaging and marketing.
Nodal or ‘Mother’ Unit is being set up in Dehradun with the following made-to-order de-
scaled equipment/machinery:
• Flour grinder
• Sugar grinder
• Rotary Dough mixer
• Planetary Mixer
• Dough Sheeter
• Oven (dual-fuel, 2kW)
Product mix decided upon, developed with bench-scale protocols and to be marketed under
the FARMERS’ SELECTION™ brand would include:
• Cookies (>30% millets) (different grains, multi-grain)
• Rusks (mandua, multi-grain)
• Flour (4 types including multi-grain) with recipes for popular products
• Malted flour (all) with recipes
• Breakfast Cereal from Popped/Flaked Millets
Full-scale Enterprise is expected to be running commercially in 2017-18 after production-
scale trials, regulatory approvals, branding and packaging during 2016-17. Based on enterprise
models developed by CTD/SESS in other sectors, the enterprise model is repesented below.

Business Development: Although not a technology as such, CTD utilizes an earmarked
amount of Core Support funds, with DST approval, for business promotion since so much of
CTD’s work is development of technologies and systems for Rural Enterprises which also needs
intervention on the business side. So whereas focus of this volume is on Technologies, a brief
mention is made here of major business development activitites relevant to the above technologies
taken up during the present Core Support period.
‘Artisans Technologies’, a company under Art.25 of the Companies Act, has been registered
and operationalized and all commercial operations of CTD including all regulatory licenses, etc.
are in the process of being transferred to this entity. Efforts are being made to bring in leaders
of beneficiary-partners into the Company structures and also to bring in Producer Companies
being set up and likely to be set up in future. These measures will not only be in consonance
with current trends of the Income Tax and Societies Act but also effectively promote formal
participation of beneficiary partners in ownership and management of all Enterprises
‘FARMERS SELECTION’™, has been registered as a Trade Mark for all current and future
processed Fruit, Vegetables, Spice and Food products such as the Millet products discussed
above
‘Wild Roots’™, has similarly been registered as an umbrella brand for the up-market
‘lifestyle’ products such as Wild Apricot Oil and the Natural Soap Products and Fibre Products
discussed above.
Contact
Organization Name: Centre for Technology & Development
Society for Economic & Social Studies
Contact Person: D.Raghunandan, Director
Address (HO): D-158 Lower Ground Floor
Saket, New Delhi 110017.
Phone: +91-11-26524323, 4; 26862716
E-mail: ctd.delhi@gmail.com
Website: www.ctdsess.in
Wild RootsTM
Brand

Development Alternatives (DA)
New Delhi
Development Alternatives (DA) is a non-profit organization engaged in research and action
for sustainable development. It was established in 1983 and is registered under the Societies Act.
In collaboration with sister organizations, TARA, TNK, TARAlife Sustainability Solution and
DESI Power, which together with Development Alternatives form the DA Group, it believes that
“development”, being a dynamic process, is all about evolving inter-relationships between social
and environmental factors, particularly interactions between nature, machines, institutions and
people. The Organization works towards creating sustainable livelihoods for the poor, fulfilling
basic needs and delivering eco-solutions. This is achieved by empowering rural communities by
developing their capacities and skills, enabling them to create small, local enterprises. Built on
DA’s innovative low carbon technologies and market principles, these enterprises help build
local economies and communities, while maintaining a minimal ecological footprint.
A small sample of the many technologies developed by DA and disseminated widely during
the earlier period of Core Support are mentioned below:
• Micro-concrete Roofing Tiles
• Compressed Earth Blocks and TARA-Ram
• JALTARA water testing kits
• Biomass Gasification
• TARA Loom
• Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln
• Waste Paper Recycling
Geographical Coverage: DA’s activities under Core Support mostly cover the
Bundelkhand region in Central India comprising 13 districts, 7 in Uttar Pradesh and 6 in Madhya
Pradesh, widely regarded as one of the most impoverished regions of the country.
TARA Foundry Slag Waste Technology Package: There are more than 5,500
foundry units in India, having an installed capacity of approximately 7.5 million tonnes per
annum. The overwhelming majority (nearly 95%) of the foundry units in India fall under the
category of small-scale industry. Slag is a non-metallic inert by-product of iron and steel used in
foundry units. Roughly 10% slag is generated, for each unit of foundry product, and constitutes
a major waste, posing problems from handling to pollution to utilization or disposal. TARA has
tackled this problem through the TARA Foundry Slag Waste (FSW) based Concrete Paver Block
Technology Package, a process of converting foundry slag waste into quality paving blocks
through proper mix design, mechanized mixing and compaction processes. The technology has
been developed based on scientific analysis of the waste materials and process engineering, and
relies on correct sizing of raw materials, appropriate proportioning and mixing technique.
The technology has gone through lab-scale and pilot demonstration in industry. TARA is now
ready to provide a comprehensive range of services to user industries/entrepreneurs including:
• Selection and testing of raw materials (foundry slag waste, sand, stone aggregate and stone dust)
and product testing

TARA Paper Recycling Package
India faces severe environmental degradation in which solid waste is a major contributor. Paper
use and disposal is growing at a rapid rate causing large amounts of wastage of paper. There is
a large potential to facilitate and support small groups and organizations for setting up small
enterprises as sustainable businesses in recycling of waste paper.
Description: The Paper Recycling Package provides a comprehensive “package of
services” to ensure success for the recycling enterprises. The service package includes:
• Customized design of recycling system including layout of basic services
• Installation, commissioning and functioning of equipment with on-site training on operations
• Annual maintenance contract for equipment servicing.
Specification: The package consists of a set
of custom designed equipment for various functions.
The TARA Hydra-pulper is used to make pulp from
waste paper, and TARA Hollander Beater to make
pulp from waste cotton rags. The TARA Univat is used
for the formation of sheets, whereas the TARA Screw
Press is used to remove the excess water from the
formed sheet. Polishing of the dried formed sheet is
done through TARA Calendering Machine, and TARA
Semi – Automatic Cutting Machine is used to cut the
sheets into desired size. A photo-sensing safety device
is incorporated where required for operational safety.
The installed load for the production system is 11 hp with 3-phase electric power.
TARA Paper Recycling Package can recycle one tonne of waste paper per month. On commercial
scale, a capital investment of Rs. 12 lakhs in equipment and accessories will yield upto 15000
kg of finished paper of assorted quality and a value addition of Rs. 10 lakhs per annum.
Advantages: The major advantages of the package are:
• Flexible range of recycled paper that can be widely expanded.
• The recycled paper and products have wide acceptability among users due to high level of
customization.
Target Group: ThedevelopedpackageisaimedatEntrepreneurs,MicroGroups,Corporates,
Governments, Schools and other Institutions using paper in any form.
Current Status & Future Plan: The Paper
Recycling Technology package is of different scales
aimed at commercial entrepreneurs, community
groups, corporates, government departments,
schools and any other Institutions to make use of
recycled paper in any form. The Technology is not
only environment friendly, but also help to reduce
dependencyonforestresourcesandcarbonfootprints
as well. More than 200 schools, Government, and
Institutions have adopted the paper recycling
package for conversion of paper into value added
products as an incubated, start-up business.
Paper Recycling Plant
Finished Recycled Paper Products

• Determination of optimum mix
• Supply of customized machinery and
accessories
• Commissioning of production and training
on green brick making
Major advantages of TARA Foundry Slag
Waste based Concrete Paver Block technology
package are:
• It can be utilized as replacement of stone
aggregate in production of M30, M35 and
M40 grade paver blocks
• Single paving block Unit uses around 1,000
tonnes of FSW and employs 6-8 workers
• Provides 100% replacement of natural stone
aggregate thus has positive impact on natural resource conservation
• Selective and customized mechanization of paver block making
• Cost effective (~8% cost savings) as compared to natural stone aggregate.
Training of workers in paver block production is part of the service package provided
commercially. Customized long term training, on-site capacity building to moulders, production
and quality control are also provided commercially by the service provider.
Initiatives are now needed for commercial dissemination throughout India to achieve scale.
TARA Marble Sludge Waste Technology Package: In India, marble processing
industries generate around 7 million tons of wastes mainly in the form of powder during sawing
and polishing. These are mostly dumped in the open which pollute and damage the environment.
Rajasthan alone contributes 95% of the total marble wastes generated in India.
This technology is for conversion of Marble Sludge Waste (MSW) into quality Clay Bricks
through correct proportioning of different materials and mechanized mixing. The green bricks
produced through this technology can be fired in any way desired. For proper mixing the TARA
BrickMek soft-mud moulding machine is an integral part of the technology.
The technology has been fully developed and is commercially available. The technology
package has been transferred to TARA Machines and Tech. Services Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi for
commercial dissemination.
TARA now provides a comprehensive range of services to existing and new brick-making
entrepreneurs including:
• Selection and testing of raw materials (soil, marble sludge dust, internal fuel) and product testing
services
• Determination of optimum mix
• Supply of customized machinery and accessories
• Commissioning of production and
• Training in green brick making
Major advantages of this technology package are:
• Single unit uses 3,000 tonnes of marble sludge per season
• Increases strength of the bricks; also improves shape and dimensional consistency
• Waste utilization of around 30%
• Selective and customized mechanization in green brick moulding
• Flexible production: 1,440 – 1,620 bricks/ hour
• Cost effective compared to traditional bricks
Foundry Slag based Paver Block production

Jal-TARA Arsenic Monitoring and Purification: In India, the level of arsenic
contamination in groundwater in the Ganga-Brahmaputra fluvial plains and its consequences
for human health have been reported as being one of the world’s biggest groundwater calamities.
There are several states in India where Arsenic has been reported in the drinking water. Currently
there are very few affordable and effective Arsenic removal technologies available in the market
and even fewer have actually reached target communities.
The Jal-TARA Arsenic Monitoring and Purification Package developed by Development
Alternatives provides for both monitoring and purification through the Jal-TARA Arsenic Test
Kit and Jal-TARA Filter. It has a broad testing range of 10ppb – 500ppb. At low concentrations,
the test kit maintains accuracy in results. Jal-TARA Arsenic Filter can be used by a household
to filter up to 7 Litres of contaminated water
per hour, reducing arsenic concentration
below 50ppb as prescribed by IS 10500 1991.
Jal-TARA Arsenic Filter is an offline water
purification solution. It does not require
electricity to operate nor does it require
any chemicals to be added to the water for
purification. Filtration process follows three
steps. It first filters arsenic and iron, the
second stage filters turbidity and bacteria.
The bottom pot is for storage and can store up
to 20 litres of purified water, and also keeps it
cool. The filter is ideal for rural areas and easy
to install and use. One cartridge can provide
up to 2000 litres of Arsenic-safe water. The
technology has been fully developed and is being commercially disseminated. More than 8000
Jal-TARA Arsenic Monitoring Kits and 1200 Filters have been sold commercially to communities
across UP, Bihar and Jharkhand. The technology package is ready for transfer too. Training
packages are also available on use of Jal-TARA Arsenic Water Testing Kit to test the level of
Arsenic in the drinking water. Customized training packages are available for communities and
entrepreneurs on manufacturing, assembly and maintenance of filter. Local artisans can be
trained to manufacture the Filter, thus promoting the use of locally available materials, higher
income and encourages them to become entrepreneurs.
Jal-TARA Iron and Nitrate Test Kit: Formation of iron compounds and nitrates is an
integral part of our environment. In moderate amounts, iron is a harmless constituent of food
and water and an essential element in nutrition. On the other hand, excess of iron intake can
cause genetic problems and crippling diseases. Unfortunately, in many parts of India, iron is
present in groundwater both naturally and through leaching of chemicals and fertilizers. It
is therefore essential to monitor and check the presence of iron in drinking water. Nitrates
pose a similar problem. DA has developed a fast, easy to operate, robust and accurate way to
check presence of iron and nitrates in water. Jal-TARA Nitracheck uses two simple reagents
and a simple method to indicate presence of iron in a water sample of 10 ml through a colour
comparison chart. The process takes a little above 15 minutes: mixing of reagents takes less
than 30 seconds, while the colour appears in 15 minutes. The kit gives an indicative result based
on colour which can be matched to the 4 colour chart given along with the kit that represent 4
different concentrations of iron in water, (i) desirable limit of 0.1 mg/L (ii) permissible limit of 0.3
mg/L and (iii) upper limits of 1.0 and 3.0 mg/L or above. Ease of use and less time requirement
Community in Bihar using Jal TARA Arsenic Filter

were the primary factors kept in mind while
developing the kit. The kit is robust, usable
by anyone, not susceptible to damage and the
reagents are stable for long period of time.
The technology has been fully adopted and is
being commercially disseminated. Knowledge
products including user manual and brochures
are available. Customized training packages
are available for health centres, foundations,
water quality monitoring labs and NGOs.
Composite fabric from Recycled PET
yarn and Natural Fibres: R e a l i z i n g
the need for technology intervention in
the handloom industry, TARA Loom, a DA
pioneered technology was launched in the national market in 1987. This manually operated
loom combines versatility of handlooms with ease of operation of a power loom.
Under Core Support, the TARA Loom has been used to produce a unique composite fabric by
combining natural fibers with yarn from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or r-PET.
Both r-Pet and natural yarns are outsourced and are integrated by the means of TARA Loom to
make the fabric based on the desired specifications and design.
Waste to Wealth Technologies: Specific Features and Economics
Technology details Paper recycling Waste-to-Weave
Product produced High quality hand made paper High quality textile
Raw material used Waste paper Various combinations of recycled yarn
from waste PET bottles and cotton/silk
yarns
Salient features Uses 100% wastes Uses around 50-60% recycled waste
Technology package includes testing of raw materials, design of process and
equipments
Alternative livelihood for women in rural areas producing quality materials
Energy used Between 10-20 HP depending on
capacity
Nominal power for TARA loom
operation
Jobs created Around 10-12 women Around 5-6 women
Investment Ranging between Rs.5-20 lakhs Starting from Rs. 5 lakhs based on
productivity
Pay back period Around 2-3 years Around 2-3 years
The fabric produced comprises 30% percent r-PET yarn and 70% natural yarn i.e. cotton, silk,
or wool. This composition is maintained for wearability of the fabric. However, the composition
could vary in case of home furnishing or other lifestyle products.
Jal TARA Nitracheck used by community in MP

Achievers & Change-Makers: Case of “ Development Alternatives”
Means of Verification Technology Description:1
TARA Fly Ash Technology
Package
Technology Description:2
TARA EcoKiln Package
Technology Description:3
TARA Paper Recycling
Package
1. Innovators/Partners TARA Machines and Tech
Services Pvt. Ltd.
National Thermal Power
Corporation (NTPC)
TARA Machines and Tech
Services Pvt. Ltd
TARA Machines and Tech
Services Pvt. Ltd
2. Innovation Type Technology package and
services including supply of
machineries
Technology package and
services
Product
3. Adopters/ Beneficiaries Rural youth, women, private
entrepreneurs
Rural youth and private
entrepreneurs
Community and industries
4. Sustainability Benefits High ecological,
environmental and economic
impacts
High environmental,
economic and livelihood
impacts
High livelihood impacts
5. Convergence &
Development Outcomes
Profitable utilization of
wastes
Environment friendly burnt
brick making process
Creation of green and
sustainable jobs for women
6. Capacity Building &
Enterprise Creation
Training for entrepreneurs
and workers
Training to workers and
operators
Training to women operators
7. Award or Recognition/ The TARA Fly Ash
Technology is a complete
solution package for
supporting an entrepreneur
and enterprise through testing
services, equipments, mix
design and trouble shooting.
The EcoKiln technology
is energy efficient and
environment friendly burnt
brick making technology. In
recognition of its usefulness
to the society, the EcoKiln
technology is being used and
promoted internationally in
Asian and African countries.
The developed package is
aimed at Entrepreneurs,
Micro Groups, Corporates,
Governments, Schools and
other Institutions using paper
in any form.
The technology has been
commercially disseminated.
More than 200 school,
Government and Institutions
have adopted the Package.
8. Impact A single fly ash unit utilizes
around 2,250 tons of fly
ash waste per year; saving
around 1,250 tons of CO2
per
year creating employment
opportunities for 12-14
workers. It provides equal
employment opportunity
for women as workers and
entrepreneurs.
An EcoKiln produces on an
average around 22 lakh bricks
per year (240 days working
period).
Each EcoKiln unit saves
around 1,150 tons of CO2
per
year and uses 40% less coal.
It generates employment of
around 40 workers.
• One metric tonne of
recycled paper saves
3 tonnes of wood and
100,000 litres of water.
• Each metric tonne of
recycled paper creates
meaningful employment for
5-8 people and Rs. 40,000
in wages.

Technology Outreach: Solar Energy Based Water Supply System for
Communities in Bundelkhand Region
Susceptible to frequent droughts, the poor Bundelkhand region of Central India experiences
acute water stress. Even villages that use electric or diesel pumps to supply water through
taps in the villages cannot guarantee regular supply of water owing to erratic power supply
and high costs of fuels. The scarcity of drinking water has significant ramifications causing
health problems, poor sanitation, lack of water for irrigation which limits socio-economic
development. To address this pressing problem, Development Alternatives under core support
initiative was able to design & introduce solar energy based water supply technology systems
to ensure availability of water for drinking and irrigation.
Community Owned and Operated Water Supply System:
Specific Features
• 1-2 hp solar powered pumps
• Ground water from a bore well supplied to household and
public connections
• Clean reliable piped water supply with water quality testing
• Pay-for-use model with a monthly fee
• Clean and responsible water use/consumption
Solar based Irrigation Delivery Model through Farmer
Entrepreneur: Specific Features
• Selection of source site on farms with a well that can ensure
water supply.
• Identification of entrepreneurial farmer and cluster of farmers
• 3 hp solar powered pump set up
• Water delivery and pipe systems to a cluster of 10 farmers on a
pay-for-use basis.
IMPACT
• 550+ families have doorstep service for reliable drinking water
in 5 villages
• 9 women and 3 youth engaged in green jobs. Women save 4-5
hours per day to engage in household work and productive
activities
• Improved quality-of-life and livelihoods in 5 villages.
IMPACT
• 4 entrepreneur pumping sites
• 40 farmers benefiting from the service
• Vegetable crops cultivation &fodder farming introduced in the
areas.
• 66 acres of land covered.A pay-for-use fee of INR 1000 per
farmer per month:Sustained and responsible service delivery
Above intervention with reliable service has helped to deliver smiles and improved lives of 3,000 men, women and children. This has
positively impacted the lives of the women and children as they no longer have to walk miles to fetch water. The women have more time
to productively engage and manage livelihood activities and children are not missing school for running home errands. Such technology
driven developmental approach has led to:
• Entrepreneurship and employability development for farmers,
• No monthly electricity need to pay (except maintenance cost) and
• Long term sustainability,
Recognition
• GlobalGoToThinkTanksRankings2015-issuedbytheUniversityofPennsylvania’sInternational
Relations Program
• Smart Green Social Change Award 2015 – in the field of smart housing project by SAINT-GOBAIN
and The Economic Times SMART GREEN on 2nd
December 2015 in New Delhi.
• Global Go To Think Tanks Rankings 2014
• e-Uttara: The Manthan Award for Uttar Pradesh 2014: TARA Akshar has been recognized by as
the best e-content of the state Uttar Pradesh for the year 2014.

Contact
Organization Name: Development Alternatives (DA)
Contact Person: The President
Address: B 32, Tara Crescent, Qutub Institutional Area
New Delhi- 110016
Phone: +91 9415031184
E-mail: smaity@devalt.org
Website: www.devalt.org, www.tara.in
• Zayed International Prize for the Environment 2014: Dr. Ashok Khosla, Chairman, Development
Alternatives wins the Prestigious Zayed International Award for Scientific and Technological
Achievement in Environment.
• The 6th Narain Dutt Award for the Conservation of Nature 2013- The Narain Dutt Award for the
Conservation of Nature, instituted by the Narain Dharmarth Aushdhalaya Trust

Himalayan Environmental Studies &
Conservation Organization (HESCO)
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
HESCO derives inspiration from Himalayan villages and develops solutions to problems there.
It helps rural communities to focus on their economic and development needs, and encourages
them to tap local resources to pave new avenues toward self-reliance. HESCO was formed in
1979 by a group of people who felt strongly about the rapid environmental deterioration of the
Himalayan region. The group was formally registered under the Societies Act in 1983 and under
FCRA in 1991. Over the last 35 years, HESCO has brought to bear a dedicated work ethic,
environmental issues, and simple low-cost technologies to bring sustainable development to
rural areas of the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand and beyond. HESCO’s
innovative and ecologically sound solutions have yielded outstanding results in target regions,
bringing national and international recognition for contribution to mountain ecosystems. The
HESCO team lives and conducts field research in the hill regions, so as to grasp the pervasive
poverty and under-development of the target population and to undertake participatory problem-
solving.
Technology Developed & Deployed (1988-2003)
During the earlier period of Core Support, HESCO developed the following major technology
packages:
Biomass Utilization of Lantana, Agave Spp: Various techniques for making
diverse handcrafted products from Agave fibres, furniture from dried Lantana stalks, mosquito
repellent, joss sticks and other aromatics from Lantana, and briquettes from pyrolysis of Lantana
stalks and other parts. The technology package comprising simple tools and equipment can also
be used with Euphorbia royleana (sullu), Pinus roxburghii (chir, pine), Grewia optiva (bhimal),
Neyraudia arundinacea (Burma reed or cane reed) etc.
Improved Watermills: HESCO’s flagship product that has had huge impact on the
Himalayan region and has brought the organization national and international laurels, involves
various designs and applications for upgraded Watermills. Traditional Water Mills or gharaat
were once ubiquitous in the hills but had fallen into disuse in recent decades due to low output,
their limited function of grinding grain, and the rapid penetration of motorized mills into big
villages and nearby towns. HESCO’s improved Watermills, ranging from addition of simple
bearings to complete re-design of the turbines along with change of materials, have revived
local healthier stone-ground milling of grains generating additional employment and incomes
in the hill regions. The improved/new Mills have also been used for generating electricity for
home lighting or other applications. This technology intervention has become a movement, with
thousands of improved Watermills being adopted and also bringing about heightened awareness
about environmentally sound use of local natural resources. A Water Mills Association has come
up as a result and acts as a powerful agent for knowledge dissemination and advocacy. This work
has also catalyzed linkages with many Research Institutions and Development Agencies.
Pyrolysis & Briquetting: It is estimated that around 350 million tons of forestry waste
and 150 million tons of agro-residues are available each year in the Himalayan region. At the

same time, problems faced by villagers in hill regions due from non-availability of quality fuel
for cooking and other purposes are well known. Local production of charcoal briquettes through
pyrolysis of forest wastes and agro-residues using simple mud ‘hives’ and hand-operated
briquetting machines (with or without binders depending on the materials used) offers a solution
at low cost. Invasive species such as Lantana can also be handled in this manner.
Fruit Preservation and Processing: Recipes and techniques for FSSAI-compatible
processing of major horticultural produce of the region, along with simple machinery and
equipment enabling decentralized village-level processing and marketing have been evolved.
Many rural entrepreneurs have been facilitated to start and run their own small enterprises.
Dissemination & Impact: Impact achieved through dissemination of these technologies
over the years is summarized in the Table below.
Technology Year
Developed
Current
Cost (Rs.)
Beneficiaries
Agencies
Adopting
Enterprises
Created
Additional
Incomes
Generated
Improved
Water Mill
(5kW)
1995 15,000* 4,270 no.s in Uk,
J&K, HP, NE
States
4,270 Indian Army
& others
4,270 +
3 Group
5500 pm/
beneficiary
Pyrolysis &
Briquetting
1996 17,500 2,800 no.s in Uk,
HP, J&K, NE
States
1,280 - 1,280 5000-
8000 pm/
beneficiary
Handmade
products
from
Lantana &
other mat’ls
1992 15,000 1,200 in Uk, HP,
Bihar, J&K, NE
States Rajasthan,
Karnataka
1,200 trained - - potentially
4500-6000
pm/
beneficiary
*for improvements like steel runners etc.
Thrust Areas of Innovation & Intervention
• Rural Industries
• Natural Resource Management
• Other Innovative Technologies
Geographical Coverage: Uttarakhand state 10 villages, 3 each from Dehradun and
Rudraprayag and 4 from Chamoli district.
Line Sowing Marker: Weeding is a major activity requiring significant time and
labour. Physically plucking the weeds involves enormous drudgery. Cost of cultivation is closely
related to the amount of weeding involved. The method of sowing seeds in turn determines where
weeds grow. The broadcast method results in random weed growth, increasing the time and
drudgery involved. The line sowing method, by contrast, enables sowing in a systematic fashion,
results in more predictable weed growth and thereby lessens the time and labour involved in
weeding.
Description: A line sowing marker has been developed suitable for hilly terrain and for
crops grown in this region, so as to enable systematic sowing of seeds, thus minimizing drudgery
in the weeding process. This marker assists in weeding, irrigation, and harvesting of crops. The
technology is now being disseminated.

Advantages, Benefits:
The new marker reduces
weeding costs by 50-60%,
harvesting costs by 10% and
results in an increase in yield,
all compared to broadcasting
methods.
Water Mill - Multiple
Applications: Watermills
in the region, including the
improved ones introduced
and popularized by HESCO,
were previously used only for
grinding food grain, mainly
wheat. HESCO perceived
many more applications for Watermills to meet needs of the people. In the current phase of
work, Watermills have been further upgraded and modified for multiple uses through location-
specific turbines and other modifications.
Description: The wood of the turbines was replaced by mild steel. The shaft of the turbine
is attached to a pulley to drive different agro-processing machines through flat belts, whereas
the power generation devices are run with V-belts.
In order to achieve the speeds required for different applications, appropriate pulley
arrangements were made. The pulleys are coupled with an accelerator to generate the correct
speed and attached to a generator for producing electricity where required.
The turbine is constructed modularly and can be easily disassembled for transport. All the
runners are
made of mild
steel, and can be
locally repaired
and serviced.
Four major
turbine designs
have been
developed for
d e l i v e r i n g
more power at
varying heads
and discharge
rates. These
turbines are
now being used
for electricity
g e n e r a t i o n ,
grinding, de-
husking and oil
expression.
Line Sowing Technology
Improved Wartermill Turbines:Cup Runner, Spiral Runner, Simple Runner, Pelton Model

Under Core support initiatives, group of five unemployed youths under the name ‘Himalayan
Engineers’ with different engineering background (mechanical, civil) and management was organized
by HESCO, Dehradun to engage them in technology based employment opportunities. The group got
trained & exposed on different rural technology services for mountain areas specially on fabrication of
low cost folding bridge over rivers, watermill upgradation, solar cooker, steam stoves etc. This group of
trained engineers has been able to generate self-supporting business by providing technology support
service in construction/fabrication of 5 bridges, 10 improved watermills, 75 solar cookers, 200 steam
stove and 50 geysers during 2014-16. They have set up their own fabrication unit at Dehradun by
leveraging fund from bank and other support agencies. BesidesUttarakhand, this group has also made
it outreach for technology services in Himachal Pradesh for watermill up-gradation.
During last two years, above intervention to engage rural youths with need based technology services
in District Tehri Garhwal, Chamoli, Dehradun and Rudraprayag of Uttarakhand has positively impacted
the lives of 600 households to address their day to day needs for cooking, transportation and grinding
of grains and spices in mountain area.This trained group of youth as village level entrepreneurs by
HESCO has really showcased creation of enabling ecosystem for social enterprise to make each of them
self-reliant by earning profit and making lives better in remote mountain areas through technology
support services.
Technology Flow & Himalayan Engineers:
Village Level Entrpreneurs for Mountain Areas

Dissemination is underway in Uttarakhand and other parts of the Himalayan region.
Types of Turbines: Advantages & Status
Type of Turbine Status Advantage No. of Beneficiaries* Dissemination
Cup Runner Fully
developed
Multiple uses 1800 Uk, HP, J&K,
North-East
Spiral Runner -do- -do- 2600 -do-
Simple Runner -do- -do- 1400 -do-
Pelton Model -do- Good voltage 1400 Uttarakhand
*Through multiple funding agencies and self involvement
Dung Briquettes: Using dung cakes as cooking fuel in villages is a widespread practice,
but considerable drudgery is involved in forming and setting to dry appropriately sized dung
cakes. Women in particular expressed need for a device to make briquettes for daily use.
Description: Three different devices with moulds were designed for various applications
of dung cakes. Field testing showed the
acceptability of the products and devices.
Bakery: Value addition can contribute to
increasing the shelf life of local produce and
enhancingincomesoffarmersorentrepreneurs,
which is even more important in hilly regions
where colder climates and terrain can act as
barriers to productivity. There is a substantial
market in rural areas for value-added products
from local produce, while demand in urban
areas is good and growing.
Description: A low-cost Bakery and
protocols for different products such as biscuits,
cakes and muffins have been developed through participation of local community members to
meet this gap. The 18” x 14” Oven has 2 x 1kW electric coils, with temperature indicators and
controls and is an affordable product, specially developed for rural application.
Status: Several small units have been set up across the sub-Himalayan zone and have
proved effective as a local enterprise especially for women to make value-added food products
with quality control.
Contact
Organization Name: Himalayan Environmental Studies & Conservation Organisation (HESCO)
Contact Person: Dr. Anil. P. Joshi / Dr. Rakesh Kumar
Address: Village-Shuklapur, Post-Ambiwala, Via - Premnagar
Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248001
Phone: +91-135-2102396, +91-9411109073, +91-941039487
E-mail: dranilpjoshi@gmail.com, rakeshkumar_hesco@rediffmail.com
Website: www.hesco.in
Dung Briquettes

Rural technology & core groups changemakers and achievers

Rural technology & core groups changemakers and achievers

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to Rural technology & core groups changemakers and achievers

Similar to Rural technology & core groups changemakers and achievers (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Rural technology & core groups changemakers and achievers