Through the AKRUTI (Advanced Knowledge and Rural Technology Implementation Initiative), BARC scientists work in co-operation with NGOs around the villages and help villagers in experimenting and creating their own technology, with which they can help other villagers in the area.

“All the technological demonstrations made by the farmers present were shown under the guidance of the BARC scientists,” said A M Patankar, head, technology transfers and collaboration division, BARC. “Though the plant had been functioning for the last one-and-a-half years, we inaugurated it only after making sure that there were no glitches,” he added.

The centre in Raigad now houses a biogas plant based on biodegradable materials. The plant, created by the farmers, was also inaugurated on Saturday. “The biogas plant is based on biodegradable materials and is useful because it keeps conditions hygienic and leaves out any waste,” said Patankar.

“Our main goal is to see to it that the power requirements are met and that the village becomes self-sufficient, or at least see to it that in cases of failure, it can be a supplementary source of power,” he further said. Among the technological innovations made by villagers, there is a water-filter, which provides bacteria-free water and a flexible solar dryer, which dries clothes faster than the conventional dryer.

“KRUTIK (Knowledge and Rural Technology Implementation Kendra) signifies groups of people that help spread the technology to different villages where AKRUTI is operational, and the FORCE (Farmers Organised Group for Rural Creative Entrepreneurship), are the users of the various products,” explained Patankar.

Though the BARC does not provide any financial support for the farmers, they work with individual NGOs that are technically oriented and provide on-the-job training to the farmers. “We are focused on the technology-economic development of the villages,” said Patankar.