Introduction The RTP - Fundamentals Model Houses of RTP Technology Models Infrastructure Layout Training Programmes

1. During the past five decades in our country, several organizations/institutions, such as, CSIR, ICAR, CIMAP, CFTRI, IITs, Central Silk Board, Central Leather Institute, etc., have carried out research and development programs and developed myriad of rural technologies. Some of them have gained user acceptance and promoted growth. Yet, there is general consensus among experts that major voids exist in widespread dissemination of technologies to rural masses.

2. The proposal to establish the Rural Technology Park was initiated in 1992 and debated for over a decade. In 1995, the Ministry of Rural Development accepted the proposal in principle. Based on the above decision, Budget Estimates amounting to Rs. 10 crore were submitted for inclusion in the IX Plan. However, the EFC of the Ministry could only meet to discuss the IX Plan proposals during November 1999. In January 2000, the EFC gave final clearance for the RTP on the basis of one time allocation of Rs. 1.5 crore as grant. It was decided that the RTP will be a collaborative effort between NIRD and CAPART with the latter meeting part of the projected financial requirements (Source - EFC Minutes of January 2000). And, the establishment of RTP was proposed on two acres of land within NIRD campus only. The scope of RTP was envisaged for transfer of technology through demonstration.

3. In 1999, the State Govt. of Andhra Pradesh allotted eight acres of land. Subsequently, the State Govt. allotted an additional 53 acres of land to accommodate RTP. It, therefore, has offered opportunity to crystallize both the scope and agenda of the RTP. A Workshop held on 9 April 2002 at NIRD recommended the type of functions RTP should take up for effective transfer of technologies to rural areas (See Annexure A attached). A National Conference on Science and Technology Inputs for Backward Areas Development held on 30th and 31st May 2000 (Chaired by Shri P V Narasimha Rao, and addressed by Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu and Shri S M Krishna) re-emphasized the need for transfer of technologies for accelerated development of backward areas.

1.2 Trends

4. Two disturbing trends in development are forecast. One, all alike are investing large sums in high-tech pursuits mostly in urban areas. By contrast, investments in rural technology are insignificant. The digital explosion is bound to compound the urban-rural divide.

Two, poverty is likely to increase even more since long-term average agricultural growth rate increase may not be more than 3%, whereas national growth rate even in a bad year may be around 6%. Thus, the differential of 3% between non-agricultural and agriculture growth rates will transfer into widening urban and rural disparity (Page 36 India Development Report 1999-2000 - Annual Growth Rates of GDP and Major Sectors). Its long-term implication is that the existing disparity of 1:3 may treble to 1:10 in another 15 years (Source: Page 122-123 of the Report of Special Group on Employment by Planning Commission, May 2002). To reduce the growing disparity, there is a need to devise a strategy to reduce the number of people in agriculture through technology induction to provide alternate employment to labor engaged in virtually subsistence farming.

1.3 Why at NIRD?

5. In pursuit of its defined vision and mission, NIRD has emerged as a premier Centre of Excellence for Training and Research in rural development. It is the country's apex body for undertaking training, research, action research and consultancy functions in rural development sector. The institute also serves as a consultant of international repute in the field of socio-economic development.

6. NIRD has 17 Centres headed by experts in various fields of rural development. With its vast resources, both physical and trained and technically competent manpower with accumulated experience over the decades, a very well provided library and with a Centre of Information Technology to access worldwide, the Institute is in a unique position to undertake the task of accelerated transfer of technology. It is a fact that the Institute has not only experts available, but also has capability to acquire expertise that is available world over.

8. Furthermore, NIRD caters to the training requirements of over 4000 participants ranging from parliamentarians and legislators, to administrators, academicians, executives, PR functionaries and reputed NGOs. The Institute also conducts 7-9 international training programmes, which are attended by delegates from foreign countries.

9. Besides, NIRD's unique strength also lies in the interface and organic link with people through SIRDs during action research projects and pilot projects wherein consent of users or community could be ascertained in selecting technologies for placement in the RTP. This is a feature that distinguishes NIRD from any scientific laboratory working in technology development. Since NIRD has 'total capability', it can supplement and reinforce others like CAPART, KVIC etc., as an Umbrella Forum, to accelerate transfer of technologies through collaborative networking for promoting sustained rural development.

1.4 Strategy

10. The strategy to be adopted is a double-pronged approach with equal emphasis on two components. The first component is demonstration of technology models at NIRD with a variety of static, simulated and live models in stalls and thematic pavilions. The second component is actually by taking successful and proven technologies to the villages and practically using these technologies with the active involvement of primary stake holders, with the help of Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Non Government Organizations (NGOs). This process of transfer of technology can take place through careful selection of user groups, enabling them to select appropriate technologies and arrive at appropriate formal arrangements. SHG's/GP's will use the machinery to maximum capacity by purchasing raw material, to take care of operation and to give quarterly feedback to NIRD on the practical utility or otherwise of the technology. NIRD commitment extends to arranging investment expenditure from various agencies, to document the usage of technologies and to facilitate by providing information to groups on linkages to market. This would enable NIRD to apprise, evaluate, document and further improve such technologies and accelerate their transfer. This is broadly in the line with performance based Pilot Project Approach of UNDP and its arms, FAO and DFID.

11. To serve as a catalyst to accelerate wide dissemination of appropriate and affordable technologies to the rural poor for increasing productivity and enhancing quality of life, thereby enabling the community to move towards sustainable development.

12. The Vision envisaged for rural development is clear. Its achievement is only possible by taking bold initiatives, supported by sound strategies and comprehensive and effective pro-active action plan.

2.2 The Concept

13. Throughout history, transformation of nations has been brought about consciously planned development, which was based on a clear vision, whose translation was made possible by sound concept formulation. The concept given below is borne out of collective wisdom of eminent experts in the field of rural development:

a. Adopt a dynamic approach by close participation of users, SHG's and others to identify and select appropriate technology models.

b. Collaborative networking with all other actors in the field - technology developers, users, marketing support organizations, Financial Institutions, local bodies, District Rural Development Agencies and others.

c. Selected technology models be placed in 'display-cum-demonstration-cum-production-cum-marketing mode.

d. Transfer of technology by encouraging, promoting and consolidating 'User' participation to operate various technology models and market their produce in situ to visitors, thereby making the RTP self-sustaining in the ultimate.

e. Serve as 'technology demonstrator' platform to support training programs of the NIRD - both in field and in situ.

2.3 Objectives

14. To spread awareness and popularize rural technologies through dynamic interactive processes outlined below:

• Provide functional exposure to dynamic replicable models to meet location specific-cum-season specific-cum-social contextual needs;
• Promote participative-cum-partnership network collaboration between Frontline/Forward Demonstration Teams, other official and NGO institutions and users by taking technology to user doorstep directly.
  
  
• Lend technologies at the RTP to users to facilitate practice/display of operational skills and produce high quality products for sale on site;
  
  
• Link users, PRIs, NGOs, CBOs and institutions with technology developers/suppliers;
  
  
• Compile Data Bank and disseminate.
  
  

2.4 Scope

15. It is envisaged that the RTP will have the following scope:

a. To spread and transfer all successful technologies.

b. Provide a platform for periodic exchange of ideas between CSIR and ICAR technology inventors, other scientific establishments, marketing agencies, financial institutions etc.,

c. To undertake actual technology transfer on ground, which in turn is expected to have multiplier effect in selected villages through action research projects and pilot projects.

d. To document practical aspects of transfer of technology covering aspects like project costs, accessibility, acceptability, maintenance, profitability and marketing etc.

e. To provide a regular mechanism for appraisal of various technologies.

16. Eventually, RTP can evolve as a Centre for exchange of technologies among other countries.

2.5 Operational Mechanisms - Alternatives

17. Experts opine that RTP cannot be developed initially on the basis of income-generating proposition from sustainability point of view in India due to societal obligation. NIRD is not also in a position to manage RTP with the existing resources - both manpower and financial allocations. However, efforts will be made to make RTP self-sustaining in the long run by a gradual process. Keeping this in view, the following alternatives are available to establish RTP:

1. Develop and maintain RTP under the aegis of NIRD and CAPART.
2. Develop and maintain RTP by collaboration.
3. Develop and maintain as a self-sustaining enterprise.

18. Ab initio, each activity will be attempted as a profit or a self-financing venture. Private industry participation needs to be explored. The House of TATAS has already evinced keen interest to collaborate (Refer to Annexures B-1 & 2). In due course, private parties may be invited to establish research laboratories or experimental production centres or prototype development centres. The only consideration is that industries must bring in new technologies and maintain close interaction. In turn, they get the benefit out of the resources and experts of NIRD. As quid pro quo, they too must provide a certain research profit to the NIRD on yearly basis, besides giving state-of-the-art or cutting edge technologies.

2.6 Institutional Framework

19. The nature and framework of RTP as a legal entity has been reviewed. The forms that are available for consideration are:

a. By collaboration, as a company.

b. Registration, as a separate society.

c. Establishing as a separate unit within NIRD.

20. The first alternative of incorporating as a company has the advantage of raising resources by way of subscriptions to the equity. The nature, vision and objectives of RTP with particular reference to present socio-economic context, preclude this option.

21. The second option of registering as a society may give additional disadvantages, in view of the fact that NIRD is already a registered society. On the other hand, this option could weaken the strength of NIRD in providing organic linkages with villages which is essential as already described in objectives.

22. The third alternative continuing this as a unit within NIRD has advantages of serving NIRD in training and action research. It also has the advantage of being able to draw upon the strength of various centres and expertise of NIRD. The ease of this option includes the enabling provisions in the Memorandum of Articles and Association in accepting contributions and collaborative arrangements. NIRD being an organization of Ministry of Rural Development, this option enables the Ministry to perform its overarching role in disseminating technology for the overall interests of rural poor as articulated in the S& T Advisory Committee of Ministry of Rural Development. However, the operational requirements need greater flexibility and enhance delegation of powers, which will be examined separately.

2.7 Knowledge Network

23. Establishment of knowledge network with other institutions collecting data on technology models like the CORE (Center of Relevance and Excellence) started by Dr Abdul Kalam is vital. Adoption of the concept of 'development to delivery' (identify areas, develop models and deliver) and 'collaborative networking' with other organizations in field like CAPART, CSIR, KVIC, Asia-Pacific Resource Technology Development Centre, New Delhi, Canada Resource Institute of Development, National Innovation Foundation and the NRDC is necessary to achieve cost effectiveness and to avoid 'reinventing the wheel'. DG, CAPART, CEO, KVIC and MD, NRDC have agreed to extend full assistance not only in joint networking but also in the establishment of RTP.

3.1 Basis - Core Disciplines

24. Today, there are over 2000 technology models available, which have been developed by research institutes and private industries. Not every one of them is appropriate and affordable. Many of them are obsolete due to on-going technological breakthroughs. Selection of technology models particularly in core disciplines of rural development is, therefore, considered vital.

25. As per experts, whichever technologies or products or services are selected, they should be energy efficient, labor intensive, capital saving, nature friendly, gender friendly, non-polluting, resource minimal using and with low incremental capital output ratio. They believe that only when technology enables feeding the people, providing water for drinking and irrigation, give habitation and substance and meaning to the lives of rural people, then only the goal of rural technology mission can be deemed to be successful. As nations make progress, they can opt for more sophisticated core areas in tandem with others.

26. Therefore, eight basic fields and their related activities have been identified for placement in RTP like water, agriculture and related activities, value addition food industries, khadi and handlooms, handicrafts & cottage industries, rural housing & sanitation, energy and artisan based technologies.

3.2 Selection of Technology Models for Initial Placement

27. Selection of technologies, categorization and prioritization is based on expert views expressed during one-day workshop held on 9th April, 2002, and the Joint Coordinating Conference held on 9th May, 2002.

28. The S & T Cell, NIRD, which was entrusted with shortlisting technology models for initial placement in the RTP, has proposed three tentative lists based on following criteria:

a. Suitability of models for field demonstration by Action Research groups in rural areas has been accorded priority.
b. Employment opportunities, market feasibility, compatibility with local resources, user and environmental friendly criteria constitute the basis of selection.
c. Their placement in pavilions, stalls and live display has been indicated. Furthermore, CD library is to be established to promote widespread awareness.
d. Commercial viability of the RTP.

29. It is reiterated that the lists are dynamic and latest models will replace as and when breakthroughs are made and models become available. The particulars of models selected, costs, mode of procurement (by collaboration and by direct purchase), and mode of operationalisation are as given below:

a. Collaboration with government agencies
b. Collaboration with private industries
c. Direct Purchase

The details of requirements of infrastructure have been calculated on the basis of space required for functional efficiency, besides support services necessary for their operation and demonstration to visitors.

34. Rajendranagar is a fast developing node having the largest concentration of National Training and Research Institutes. The State Government has earmarked the adjoining areas for high-tech tourist/recreational complexes.

35. 65 acres of prime land adjoining NIRD, valued currently over Rs. 20 crore, is earmarked for the establishment of RTP. The site is well connected through NIRD and in close proximity of the proposed Shamshabad International Airport. The future growth potential in real value is tremendous.

37. The site offers both challenges and opportunities for aesthetic development. There is adequate buildable space to meet both immediate and future plans. A major rocky ridgeline runs from North to South. Three spurs run Eastward clearly dividing the area into two valleys.

5.2 Conceptual Scheme and Sectoral Layout

38. Conceptual scheme has been suggested by Department of Architecture and Planning, JNTU.

39. The layout has been prepared dividing the whole area into sectors on the basis of suitability of terrain profile,accessibility and operational efficiency. Inter-related technology models/ demonstrators have been grouped in each sector as given below:

Sector A - Farm technologies. Sector B - Institutional activities.   Sector C - Non Farm technologies.   Sector D - Recreational activities. Sector E - Reception and Administrative Support.