The Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, in collaboration with the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), organized a comprehensive consultation workshop on November 5, 2024.
Held at the NCUI Board Room in New Delhi, the event brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss how innovative technologies could enhance the livelihoods of rural farmers and artisans, fostering sustainable development across India.
The workshop was attended by Dr. Sudhir Mahajan, Chief Executive of NCUI and Dr. Manoranjan Mohanty, Adviser and Scientist ‘G’ from the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. as the Special Guest of the event. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement and exploring ways technology can drive rural transformation.
More than 60 participants from a variety of organizations, including the HCL Foundation, GIZ India, Development Alternatives, PRADAN, DTNBWED, Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC), ISRA, CEEP, and MIET, attended the workshop.
Representatives from these organizations shared insights and discussed how technological support from NCUI and RuTAG could help scale up their initiatives aimed at improving rural livelihoods.
Dr. Mahajan addressed the gathering, outlining the Ministry of Cooperation recent initiatives to empower cooperatives and the NCUI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the cooperative sector nationwide.
He emphasized that rural innovation and cooperative strategies can play a critical role in addressing key challenges faced by rural communities, including limited access to advanced technology and sustainable livelihood options.
Prof. M.R. Ravi, Coordinator and Principal Investigator of RuTAG 2.0, introduced the objectives of the program, highlighting its focus on developing appropriate technologies that cater specifically to the needs of rural communities. Sumit Singh, Advisor (Strategy & Cooperation) at NCUI, provided an overview of cooperative development, including NCUI’s Haat initiative and other projects spearheaded by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperation (CEDC).
A highlight of the workshop was a presentation by Dr. S.K. Saha, Co-Principal Investigator of RuTAG, on technologies developed over the past decade. He showcased practical innovations like tulsi mala devices, sheep shearing machines, and water level measuring tools that have proven valuable for rural cooperatives and artisans.
In addition to these presentations, representatives from various organizations also shared their activities and discussed their technological needs. This exchange laid the groundwork for potential collaborations with NCUI and RuTAG to facilitate the wider adoption of these technologies.
Following the workshop, key dignitaries, including Dr. Mahajan, convened for a private meeting to chart a roadmap for future interventions. Their focus was on creating actionable plans that leverage RuTAG’s technology for sustainable rural development, thereby expanding the reach and impact of cooperatives across India.
