AWARD WINNING RURAL RESEARCH, SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT by Dr.C.K.Atal - FICCI AWARD 1980 citation

FICCI AWARD - (Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industries award for work done under Dr. Atal). It was presented by the honorable President of India Shri Neelam Sanjiva Reddy at a formal function on April 25, 1981. The citation of the award is as follows – “RRL Jammu has made significant contributions to the economic and social development of the region, introduction of new varieties of fish and fishery technology, new crops, improved storage facilities for grains, solar dryer for fruits and vegetables, utilization of forest and agricultural waste and setting up local resource based rural industries is pioneering. To improve rural health, the laboratory has developed formulation for the control of health. Its efforts at supplementing rural incomes merit recognition.”

 

ANDHRA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD

www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/5782130619/

 

UNICEF GRANT 1980 WORTH 8 LACS FOR RURAL AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT (it has great implication in supplementing rural nutrition and rural income)

 

RURAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Development in plant research benefits both rural segment as well as the industry leading to socioeconomic development of both the rural masses as well as the industry of the country. Therefore almost everything covered in the biodata has had a tremendous socioeconomic success of all segments of society. This includes many overlapping topics scattered in the biodata. All the research has had an impact on rural development, including health, socioeconomic development, technology, education, employment, education, superstition, industries, women programmes, individuals, environment, waste management, alternate energy, remote area development etc.

120.ESTABLISHED FIRST INDIAN ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY CENTRE IN INDIA - Serial no 105-112, first reporting in India.

121.RURAL TECHNOLOGY AWARDS & UNITED NATIONS RURAL GRANT - (Serial no 7, award section) FICCI award given by the Hon. President of India for several outstanding contributions to rural development having socioeconomic impact in India. Most other awards like Fellow Comforpts award, Prof. P. N. MEHRA Award, Andhra Import Substitution Award, Essential oil Association Silver Jubilee award also include significant work having socioeconomic, technological, propagation and educational impact on rural development.

122.EMPLOYEMENT GENERATION OF RURAL SOCIETY-as a result of implementation of industries mentioned below, employment of rural society was made possible on a large scale. Examples are Hops industry established for the first time in India.

123.OFFICIAL AFFILIATIONS-collaboration was done with department of farmers training, Jammu & Kashmir government, government of Himachal Pradesh and S.F. development agency, Rajouri and Poonch. In 1979, there were already 13 projects under execution and technology transfer was being implemented for small scale industries. Many technologies were implemented through government agency NRDC, state departments and organizations.

124.RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT- books in the author section are related to topics having impact on rural segment, including health, socioeconomic development, technology, education, employment, superstition, industries, women programmes, individuals, etc. Examples are –“Contributions towards rural development (Serial no 184-211, author section).

125.ENTOMOLOGY -Sericulture techniques were propagated successfully in Kashmir .termite control activities, education on termite control, removal of superstitions related to termites, insect reproduction control by non toxic sterilants(the latest insect control method of that time)- insect control by anti sterility methods.

126.AQUACULTURE –In 1975, RRL Jammu started the Fishery technology project in Jammu regions along with systemic survey of bioecological and chemical factors required for the success of projects. The use of water bodies till then for the economic benefit of masses were never exploited by anyone before in the area. As a result, after scientifically establishing the viability of projects, six varieties of fish were introduced, out of which five were first time entries(Labeo rohita or Rohu,Cirrhinus mrigala or Mrigal, Ctenopharyngodon idella or grass carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix or silver carp and Catla catla or Katla). Aquaculture work was awarded the UNIDO grants in recognition of the work done. This work included introducing and acclimatization of new improved exotic varieties of fish and improved fish breeds for rural use in J&K state, production of fish seed (mirror carp, common and major carps, that is rohu and mrigal and other carps) for the first time in the state by latest fish seed production technology, and its supply to cultivators. Training programme in Pisciculture for rural masses was also conducted in which UNICEF also contributed.

127.FIRST SUCCESSFUL HOPS INDUSTRY IN INDIA -Till 1974, annual imports of Hops and its products exceeded Rupees one crore per year.RRL launched Hops research project in 1974 and within a few years the cultivation of hops became a complete technological and commercial success story in Kashmir valley. This project was extended to Himachal Pradesh and cuttings were provided beyond the borders to Bhutan. Starting with 0.170 tonnes in year 1974, the yield in Kashmir crossed 80-000 tonnes (area.Ha-125) in 1979 and 170 tonnes in the year 1982, Hops cultivation (agro technology of Hops which also included post harvest technology, hops dryers fabrication etc which resulted in revenue generation of Rupees 120 lacs in year 1981) , Hops cultivation (agro technology of Hops which also included post harvest technology, hops dryers fabrication etc which resulted in revenue generation of Rupees 120 lacs in year 1981)

128.EXAMPLES OF ECONOMIC SUCCESS OF RURAL PROJECTS – (Serial no 115, ESSENTIAL OIL).

129.MENTHA ARVENSIS (JAPANESE MINT)- Around 1960, a dozen suckers of M. arvensis were procured from Japan through UN. After the stock was carefully multiplied and propagated, it was distributed for large scale cultivation in other parts of the country in the seventies and earlier. The entire mentha cultivation in India owes its origin to the suckers introduced by RRL, Jammu. Better strains containing up to 78 % menthol in the oil were also developed. Japanese mint became a Rs 100 million” industry by the beginning of 1980’s and which has never looked back since then.The Essential oil industry of India was greatly benefited by such processes

130.JAMMU LEMONGRASS- (Cymbopogan pendulus)-a superior source of citral, the oil used in perfumery industry, Pharmaceutical industry and of use as insect repellant.

131.MUSHROOM CULTIVATION- in 1971, a farmer of Batahara village of Kashmir, Abdul Rehman Wani achieved a feat of earning Rupees 5000/- from mushroom farming. This opened the floodgates of mushroom farming in Kashmir.RRL Jammu contributed by providing improved knowhow in the field, analysis of compost and casting samples, training courses, spawn raising and its supply to cultivators. RRL established mushroom cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir by progressively increasing Spawn distribution, and in 1978 10,000 bottles of spawn were distributed. Mushroom growing which contributed to revenue generation of Rs.6 lacs in year 1981,( Agaricus bispors or button mushroom - 60,000 tons of button mushroom was produced in Kashmir in 1982) .The first Indian Mushroom conference was held, organized by Dr. Atal.

132.ANIMAL SCIENCES- rabbit culture for meat/fur, farming of other animals, chinchilla farming etc with development of rural based animal byproduct processes.

133.FUR, WOOL, LEATHER PRODUCTS, PELT PROCESSING -Conversion of sheep skins into hair on furs and high quality Nappa, conversion of goat skins into chamois and suedes, leather processing, dyeing of wool and namdas(Kashmir handicraft), training workshops for livelihood,introduction of some exotic species of rabbits.

134.FOOD INDUSTRY / FOOD TECHNOLOGY-Examples include development of various products from locally available fruits and vegetables, solar drying of fruits and vegetables, brewed vinegar, preservation and bottling of Chhang (Ladakh beer) and sugarcane juice, horticulture and processing practices of cherry fruit, apricot, development of walnut bleaching and washing machine, bleaching of in- shell walnuts, inert gas packaging of walnuts kernels, bulk storage and transport of morel (Morchella esculenta),canning, pickling, dehydration of button mushrooms , canning of apple rings, Cider and wine from apple juice, upgrading tart apple juice by ion exchange, commercial exploitation of anardana (dried pomegranate), production of Tartaric acid from Tamarind, ready to serve canned Rajmash (red beans), bakery products trainings (in collaboration with United States wheat association),upgrading commercial white sesame Seeds, production of fermented Ayurvedic Asavas and Arishtas under aseptic conditions.

135.UTILISATION OF MINERAL RESOURCES OF LADAKH – EXTRACTION OF BORAX USING GEOTHERMAL ENERGY- the country’s first indigenous borax extraction plant based on technology developed by RRL was inaugurated by Shri A. Rehman, development commissioner of Ladakh on July 15, 1975 at Pugga at a height of 4450 meters in presence of large gathering. It was later handed over to the J&K minerals. Using hot water and steam from geothermal wells sunk by Geological survey of India, all components of extraction were done by the steam and hot water, like digestion of crude ore, development of pressure in the presses and also for maintaining the desired temperatures in the steam jacketed pans for crystallization. The only known deposits of borax are located in Pugga valley where it occurs as surface encrustations from a series of hot springs extending from Rupshu district in eastern Kashmir to Hundes in South western Tibet. Borax finds extensive use in glass, ceramics, medicine, leather processing, adhesive manufacturing, flame proofing, timber preservation, rust corrosion inhibitor, additive to rocket fuel, anti knocking agent in gasoline. It has been imported at considerable cost to the country.

 

136.USE OF ALTERNATE ENERGY- SIMPLE INEXPENSIVE EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY FOR RURAL USE- His contributions, emphasis and creating awareness in nineteen seventies, particularly in remote underdeveloped, natural fuel resources starved rural areas like ladakh and Kargil, on great technological benefits of using alternate sources of energy have been pioneering. He was also invited to Germany (Munchen University) as a solar energy consultant for the work done in the field. The significant part is that a simple technology was incorporated and adapted to suit remote, rural, resourcefully backward area to produce profound results and change the economics of the region.

A.SOLAR ENERGY - SOLAR DRYING CHAMBERS- Apricots in Ladakh and famous Kashmir red chillies in Pampore Kashmir are examples of the use of solar energy utilization. The introduction of solar dryers was supplemented by fruit sulphuring chambers. Traditionally fruits have been dried in open sun which takes longer ,more than three weeks, and there is exposure to rain, fungus, microbial contamination ,insects, dust, dirt, humidity, etc which results in decay, low shelf life, poor quality, off flavor, hardening, discolouration, and poor economic returns. In 1976, RRL introduced solar drying chambers which used the energy of sun to achieve significantly superior results. The drying time was reduced to three days from three weeks and yielded superior results in terms of quality of dried product and greatly preserved organoleptic qualities. The chambers are simple to assemble at low cost, fabrication can be done by carpenters, have no operational costs, very low maintenance cost, simple to operate, can be operated by unskilled or illiterate persons, and can be incorporated even on rooftops as a part of house construction. This introduction was a result of survey done by RRL of Ladakh region for sunny days, humidity, altitude effects, temperature variations etc. Several dryers were provided to villages of Silkchay, Sanachay, Herdas, Karkacho, Poyen, Batalik, Hunderman, Khaltsti, Nurla, and Saspol of Ladakh through Agriculture department which was highly appreciated by the community.

B.GEOTHERMAL ENERGY - (Borax extraction plant discussed above).

137.OTHER SIMPLE INEXPENSIVE EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY FOR RURAL USE - FRUIT SULPHURING CHAMBERS- to combat microbial damage, sulphur chambers were fabricated for fumigation disinfection by burning sulphur, wherein fruits absorb 1500 ppm sulphur dioxide. After a series of experiments, this simple chemical treatment was standardized to maintain quality, avoid discoloration and excessive shrinkage

138.FORESTATION – Mass promotion, propagation, and plantation of fast growing tree species were promoted in the rural belts by RRL to help in conservation of environment. Examples are Weeping Willows, Eucalyptus and other species. Fast growing trees like Eucalyptus also was in addition a source of rutin for industrial use and extensively promoted in several places of India like Himachal Pradesh

139.RURAL PROJECTS FOR ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION AND WASTE UTILISATION- www.flickr.com/photos/13059662@N06/5782556024/in/photostr...

A. APPLE POMICE PROJECT, KASHMIR – prevention of pollution of river Jhelum, by converting apple waste into animal feed. (Serial no 142-146, environment conservation).

B.PINE NEEDLES BASED PACKING BOXES INDUSTRY – as a first example in the world in 1975, RRL developed the technology for production of reusable, tough, superior hard boards from fallen pine needles. A factory was established at Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh costing Rupees eight lacs, which produced 2 lacs boxes annually. Besides the waste utilization it generated employment opportunities also with added production of parallel byproduct turpentine from pine needles (converting a hazardous forest waste having hazard of igniting forest fires, into useful packing material - (See link below).

C.AGRO WASTE BASED BOARDS- fiber boards from rice straw and rice husk was developed by RRL, Jammu. The Jammu region (Kathua to R. S. Pura extending to Poonch produces vast quantity of paddy and the entire husk goes waste).

D.Other examples are vanillin from sawdust (waste of joinery mills), boards from various agro wastes /industry wastes and similar other projects

 

140.PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY METHODS FOR STORED GRAINS- expert technical advice/methods for this was provided to the food industry/farming industry.RRL developed non toxic grain protectants like Acorus calamu developed prior to 1977.

141.PERFUMERY INDUSTRY- developed and introduced new varieties like Skimmia laureola . Serial no 115, essential oils.

142.RURAL AND INDUSTRIAL SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF PIONEERING WORK IN ESSENTIAL OILS AND MINT- See details in ESSENTIAL OILS.

143.ERADICATION OF RURAL SUPERSTITIONS AND IMPLEMENTING RURAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES-in December 1976, district farmers training officer of J&K posed the problem of prevalence of worshipping of termite mounds in villages. In the past no organization tried to explain the innocent villagers about the devastation by termites of crops and houses.RRL initiated the work by selecting two villages Tonk Waziran and Chak Rickwal near Nagrota in Jammu region. Initially the reaction of villagers was not only uncooperative but hostile to the suggestion out of religious fears. After considerable persuasion, they relented. The mounds inside the houses and outside were scientifically eliminated and demolished. This work was started in January 1977 and completed till June 1977. The process was also demonstrated to Hon. Governor Shri L.K. Jha. The encouraging results were monitored and message was spread to other villages also.

144.RURAL PUBLIC HEALTH-see Serial 90. Projects for control of external parasites (ectoparasites) like louse using bio-antiparasitic agents (Acorus calamus oil and mustard oil), and anti zooplankton measures by introduction of pond fishes in villages which thrive on zooplanktons.

 

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