STRC Update

Grassroots Technologies for Rural Development:
STRC-NIF India Initiative Launched in Gadchiroli

Gadchiroli | December, 2025

Science and Technology Resource Centre (STRC), Gondwana University, Gadchiroli, has launched a village-level technology initiative to promote low-cost grassroots technologies for farmers, youth, and women in the district, with support from the National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF–India).

Based on local needs assessment, STRC facilitated the approval and transfer of seven applied technologies from NIF–India for field-level dissemination. The initiative focuses on creating opportunities for technology-based employment and self-employment, particularly in tribal and rural areas.

As part of the rollout, demonstrations and hands-on training were conducted for the Multi-Food Processing Unit and Multi Tree Climber technologies. The Multi Tree Climber was demonstrated at Kondawahi village (Dhanora Block) in the presence of the innovator, Mr. Shrivardhan from Coimbatore, with participation from local farmers engaged in palm and toddy tapping while Multi-Food Processing Unit demonstrations conducted at STRC premise showcased value-added products such as juice, jam, jelly, ketchup, soap, and gel using locally available fruits.

In the coming months, additional technologies—including cotton wick-making, multi-commodity grinding, leaf plate and bowl making, maize shelling, and bamboo strip and rod making—will be introduced for community demonstration and training. 

3. Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar Chairs STRC's 12th Foundation Day & 26th Joint GB-PAB Meeting

Through this initiative, STRC aims to strengthen rural livelihoods, promote women-led micro-enterprises, reduce time and cost in agricultural processing, enable local production of quality goods, and support village-level industrial development in Gadchiroli district.

 

Addressing the gathering, 

Dr. Anil Kakodkar emphasized that technology must be used to enhance the quality of life of common people. He stated that the income levels of youth in Gadchiroli should be comparable to those in metropolitan cities and there technology must serve as a tool for inclusive empowerment. Appreciating STRC's contributions, he expressed that the Centre would continue its progress and celebrate coming Foundation Days with even greater success.
Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar
Chairman, Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission (RGSTC), Mumbai, Government of Maharashtra
Dr. Prashant Bokare highlighted the need to bridge the economic gap between urban and remote regions, stressing that technology must reach grassroots communities to enhance per capita income in areas such as Bhamragad, Aheri, and Etapalli.
Dr. Prashant Bokare
Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Gondwana University and Chairman, Program Advisory Board, STRC
Dr. Charudatta Mayee appreciated STRC's efforts and emphasized strengthening the rural economy through science and technology based programs.
Dr. Charudatta Mayee
Chairman, Governing Body, STRC

Shri Swapnil Girade, Chief Program Officer and Head, STRC, presented a comprehensive overview of the Centre’s future plans and reaffirmed STRC’s commitment to accelerating technology-driven initiatives based on local resources, skill development, and entrepreneurship promotion.

The program concluded with a gesture of gratitude, wherein customized bamboo products developed under STRC’s initiatives and specially designed STRC notebooks were presented to all esteemed members of the Governing Board and Program Advisory Board by the Chief Program Officer & Head, STRC, as a token of appreciation and commitment to sustainable, locally rooted innovation.

1. Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar Chairs STRC's 12th Foundation Day & 26th Joint GB-PAB Meeting
1. Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar Chairs STRC's 12th Foundation Day & 26th Joint GB-PAB Meeting
Scroll to Top