Annual Report 2004-2005

Societal Programmes

Science & Technology Application For The Weaker Sections (STAWS)

The main aim of this programme is to derive benefits from S&T experience and skills vis-à-vis needs of the people particularly weaker sections of the population in order to develop sustainable replicative models. During the year, four new projects were sanctioned and five projects were completed successfully under this scheme. A brief summary of few projects undertaken during the year is as follows-

Floriculture and nursery training for income generation

Under this project, focus was to train farmers of backward area in Sitapur district of U.P. in floriculture and nursery techniques as an income generating activity. A book on floriculture and brochure/manual in local language has been published as an outcome of this project.

Small Scale Enterprise for weaker sections for production of improved RCC door and window frames with lower production cost and higher quality of output

This project involves upgradation of skills of mason’s of Kanpur in terms of consistency and quality of work using low cost precast concrete door and window frames resulting in easy replicability and high degree of innovation.

Demonstration and standardization of pearl culture technology to create scientific and technical expert manpower in weaker sections of the society

This project involved the adaptation of pearl culture technology for self-employment and increasing monthly income for weaker sections of society. Two most common species of mussels viz. Lamellidens marginalis and Lamellidens corrianus were used for pearl culture. The mussels were first implanted by different methods and grown in natural pond condition and harvested after 10-11 months of pearl formation (Figure 5.3).

Low Cost Technology Application for integrated Village Development

Project activities were focused on specific manageable technologies with relevant S&T intervention related to soil, water and energy conservation measures, rehabilitation of water structures, preventing pollution of drinking water and sanitation aiming for increased productivity through judicious crop and input management, sufficiency and self reliance were adopted for the village development in Chouparan Block, Hazaribagh district (Bihar).

New Coordinated programme on Non-edible oils (NEO)

Under the proposed coordinated programme, a generic technology package evolved in prototype form during the implementation of one of the R&D projects, is proposed to be adapted, tested and optimized under diverse field conditions in different parts of the country through system approach for gainful utilization of NEO bearing plants by women, tribals, forest dwellers and other weaker sections of the society. The envisaged programme will be implemented involving selected groups of science-based NGOs with possible linkages from S&T institutions in various parts of the country viz.-Mandi (HP), Medinapur (W.B.) Chindwara (M.P.) & Garhwal (Uttaranchal).

Under Tribal Sub Plan Scheme, location specific and need-based projects were supported for socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities. A total of 34 new projects have been sanctioned and thirteen were completed during the year. In majority of projects, the emphasis has been on creating sustainable livelihood base through use of locally available resources and materials. Details of some projects are given below:-

Conservation and Scientific tapping of Sterculia urens for better quantity of gum and improvement in the livelihood of tribals

Training of tribal gum collectors in sustainable & suitable scientific and eco-friendly method of blazing the trees for augmenting gum production and tree conservation for obtaining quantity and quality improvements of gums has been initiated in East Godavari & Visakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Improving the socio-economic status of Jaunsari tribals especially women through value addition to local horticultural produce and sustainable livelihood creation

Tribal women from Chakratra tehsil of district Dehradun, Uttaranchal are being trained in the fruits and vegetables processing techniques for Apple, Plum, Peach, Tomato, Ginger etc. Project activities include improved processing techniques, value additions, as also the marketing.

Sustainable agriculture - a future option for sustainable rural development in Ghatlinga Panchayat of Patalkot region, district Chhindwara (M.P.)

The project is undertaken for development of agriculture through proper utilization of local resources i.e. land, water, forest, animal and human resource with people’s participation. The important inputs include construction of stop dam, sprinkler set with pump, farm bunding, plantation, high yield variety seed, composting methods, drip irrigation system etc.

Socio-economic empowerment of tribals through state-of-art technologies in sericulture in Karnataka & Tamilnadu

The program aims to make the tribals self-sustainable in sericulture activities. Through project interventions, new cost effective technologies to obtain high yields of better quality cocoons are being introduced and popularized (Figure 5.4).

Introduction of low cost technologies of Quail rearing for socio-economic enhancement of tribal women of Idukki district, Kerala

The project envisages improving the economic status of tribal women by introducing low cost technologies in quail rearing by imparting training on scientific incubation and different spects of quail rearing.

Coordinated Programme on Medicinal Plants, for health and livelihood security of Scheduled Tribes

This programme has been undertaken in Tamilnadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Chattisgarh & Orissa. The activities include training in cultivation, rocessing, development of products and creating marketing links.

Training & demonstration on floriculture

The training was provided to small and marginal farmers in floriculture techniques so as to improve their skill and employment. The project is operational in four villages of Ranikhet, Uttaranchal.

Towards economic sustainability through sericulture & horticulture in Rajnagar block, Birbhum district

The project envisages developing skill & expertise among tribal farmers for income generation in the field of sericulture & dry land horticulture (Figure 5.5).

• In a project entitled, “To develop a model for low input farming”, training in organic farming practices, demonstration and actual field operation was taken up. Farmers are preparing low cost compost pits based on NADEP model (Figure 5.6). Low cost bio-pesticides and testing their efficiency for effective pest control and, low cost growth promoters and testing their efficacy are also part of the project component. The project is being implemented in Hosur area of Tamilnadu (Bethalapalli, Asettipalli, Belagondapalli and Kothagondapalli of Hosur Taluk).

• Under Functional Capability Development, Agnel Charities (Agnel Seva Sangh) has been imparting skill training to persons from scheduled caste in trades of P.C. software basics, house electrician, cookery, carpentry, plumbing and scooter mechanic. The organization has entered into a memorandum of understanding with all major SC organizations in the state to provide training and launch majority of successful trainees into entrepreneurship. About 88 persons were trained, out of which 36 have been successfully employed/wage employed. The project is being implemented in District South Goa of Taluka Salcete, Marmuhao, Ponda, Sanguem, Quepem and Canacona.
• In another project entitled, “Establishing demonstrative enterprise in mechanical processing of bamboo furniture and product application for self sustainable community development and empowerment”, Bamboo working community belonging to SC, ST& BPL is engaged in production of furniture and allied products. Upgrading the technical and qualitative knowledge through training programme has also been ensured. Technical workshop was organized for design application/possibilities/ design concept as also for developing jigs, fixtures and prototypes. The project is being implemented in Nagpur district in Maharashtra.
• PROGRESS, Hyderabad has taken up a project entitled, “Diversified cropping systems for ecological and economic security utilizing scarce ground water resources” in two villages of Ranga Reddy District of Andhra Pradesh. Scheduled caste farmers who own cultivable land were encouraged to take up floriculture and vegetable cultivation. They are cultivating Marigold, coriander, lilies, asters, carrot, etc. The specific S&T interventions include drip irrigation, nursery raising.
• Under the project entitled, “Empowerment of SC Sericulturists through State of Art in Sericulture Technologies”, training programmes were organized from July to October, 2004 in five Taluks i.e. Hosakote, Devanahalli, Bangarpet and Kolar. 45 SC sericulturists were trained in 4 different training programmes. Three similar programmes are also being implemented in Thalinchi area of Udumalpet in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka and Anantapur, A.P.