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Chapter V1
KSSP and Appropriate Technology Development
Appropriate technology is that which advances development, where
development is looked upon as a process which leads to a life with dignity through
the satisfaction of basic needs, starting with the needs of the most needy, self
reliance and non-destruction of, and harmony with the environment.' It
incorporates in it the use of indigenous, resources including the abundant supply of
human labour power and the knowledge that have been accumulated over a period
of time2
Appropriate technology is, in keeping with natural laws, small in scale,
understandable to lay people and workable and maintainable by local resources and
labour. This is also closely connected with a belief in community empowerment
achieved through the generations of community or 'grass roots' consciousness, and
improvement in environmental quality through cooperative endeavours and local
initiatives Appropriate technology should be appropriate to the society concerned.
Kannan observes:
If the human ~acc as a whole is seriously interested in its survival, it can no longer
neglect the issues whlch affect environment, of the land, of the water and of the air.
Danger to the env~l-onment as a result of indiscriminate use of technology could
arise in a society where decisions are signaled through the horse-eyed working of
the market-mechanism or where decisions are taken by a few in the name of
--
' Third World Net Work, Mcxier,, .%rence In Crisis (Penang, 1988), p.66. K.P.% Towords a Peoj11e .Science Alovemenl (Calicut, 1979). p. 132. Susan Baker, Maria Konsis. D~ck Richardson and Stephen Young, The Polirics of Susfainoble
Developmenl: Theory Policv anti Pracrrce GVithin the Europem Union (London, 1977), p. 1 1
majority Therefore the concept of Appropriate Technology cannot but take into
account the necd for protcctiog the c~tv~runrncnt. J .
Conceptually, an understanding of the 'alternative' demands a clearer
understanding of 'alternative to what' in the case of development. It is self evident
that with the demise of centrally planned socialist approaches to development, the
dominant form IS that of aggressively pursued capitalism at the global level. It is an
intricately integrated enterprise of modes of production, production relations, goods
and services, legal, educational and cultural structures, values and lifestyles,
situated within an appropriate philosophical thought, and have evolved over a
period of three centuries. Ideally, seeking an alternative would imply an alternative
to this integrated dominant model of development
The concept of appropriate technology is based on the premises such as a
search aimed at a new way of life. This includes a search for a new philosophy and
a value system, a comprehensive programme of technological development in
harmony with the criteria and determinants of such technologies must arise out of
the social needs and social goals. Alternative technology Development is radically
different from the existing technological development which is based on the
assumption of infinite reservoii. of natural resources, of unlimited capacity of
environments to absorb effluents and of the capacity of societies to adjust to the
technological changes
Kannan, n.2, p.133. Integrating Altcmative Development Efforts in Asia (IADEA) "The Idea Behind IAUEA", Report
on the Workshop at Palakkad K(!rala. Marchl-4. 1996 (Tokyo, 1997), p. 15.
Alternative technology provides a tool which links the long term social and
political objectives of the society with its technological policies. It calls for the
following: (i) industries based on rural raw materials specially agro-waste and
untapped forest resources, (ii) technologies which are energy saving, (iii)
preference for labour-intensive and capital saving technologies, (iv) re-orientation
of west oriented technological approach in India to Research and Development
(R&D) set up and (v) a system of management of appropriate technologies which
will ensure redistribution of wealth in favour of poorer sections of society.
In this chapter we discuss the appropriate technology development activities
of the Integrated Rural Technology Centre (IRTC) which is the research and
development wing of the KSSP. Even though IRTC was formally registered as an
autonomous society only in 1995; the centre was established in 1987 with a core
support from the Science and Society Division of the Department of Science and
Technology, Government of 1ndia6 Right froin its very inception, the KSSP had
realized the importance of research and development as a major component of its
activities as a scienee movement. The understanding that spreading scientific
temper and outlook only through conscientisation had its limitations and that
science can be taken to the people only through increased application of science
and technology in the society's economic activities was gradually gaining
momentum. It was with this objective that the KSSP started setting up rural science
fora. The activities of the rural science fora have thrown out several new challenges
before the KSSP. Attempts in the seventies to initiate alternative development
IRTC: Annual Report 2000-200 I, p. l
approaches at the micro level, interventions for self reliant villages etc., all hmbled
under severe dearth of resource personnel, limited technical capabilities and the
formidable nature of the real life problems in the field. The KSSP was slowly
coming to terms with the field reality: the real gap between science and society.
The necessity for efforts in integration, alternative databases, and even
methodologies were becoming evident. It was in this context that the KSSP started
thinking loudly about establishing an R&D facility of its own.'
The genesis of the KSSP's R&D efforts can be traced back to its research
programme for developing the improved wood burning cook stoves. The cook
stoves widely known as the Parishad Chulha has the highest recorded acceptance
and functionality among the various chulha models propagated in the country and
the lowest drop in fbel efficiency from the laboratory model to the field model. The
resounding success of the chulha has been attributed to the unique methodology of
participatory technology diffusion adopted by the KSSP - extensive field testing of
the prototype and dcsign modifications based on the feedback from the field. he
encouraging results of the chulha development programme inspired the KSSP to
undertake research programmes to develop Ashmoh Cement, an alternative to
ordinary cement. Another promising research programme extremely relevant to the
Kerala context which the KSSP took up was the anaerobic degradation of kitchen
waste with biogas gmeration. However both the programmes met with limited
success mainly due to inadequate co-ordination and ineffective technical
leadership. The set back in the two programmes was an eye opener to the KSSP. It
' IRTC: Annual Report. 1992-93 . p.2
was convinced that half hearted and slipshod endeavours won't lead it anywhere
and that tangible research outputs could originate only from rigorous, systematic
and resolute scientific research. This understanding provoked KSSP to set up its
own central facility for research - The Integrated Rural Technology centre.'
In the battle of the majority for liberation from impoverishment, scientific
understanding and technical ability are the two important weapons. h is the
responsibility of the people's science movements like KSSP to arm them with these
weapons The role of a science centre for action research like IRTC is to adapt the
science and technology inputs, so that the paupenzedmajority can wield them as
weapons in their fight for social reorganisation9
The broad objectives of the IRTC are: (i) to adopt, modify or innovate
appropriate technologies for sustainable rural development, (ii) to use science and
technology for enhancing the capabilities of the deprived or weaker sections of the
society; especially women and children; and (iii) to provide scientific and technical
inputs and proper interface between the administrators and the administered for
enhancing the peoples' educational reach, sustainable and ecologically sound
economic reach and pluralistic cultural reach with proper perspective of value
systems '' The IRTC is located in a campus in the village of Mundur, about thirteen
Kilometers from Palakkad town on the Mannarkkad road. IRTC has a campus, 3.5
hectares in area, with an office accomodation of about 1650 square meters. It has an
li Ibid., p.?: ~ntewiew with C.J. Sivasankaran, Mundur, 20 august, 2 W I . b i d -.--
' O IRTC. Annual Report 2001-2(M2 (Mundw. 2002), pp.3 -4
annual budget of over Rs.74 lakhs (of which less than 20 % is in the form of grant-
in-aid; the rest coming from consultancies and sponsored projects) and a work
force of over 70, among whom we can count civil, electronics, mechanical,
chemical and environmental engineers, agricultural and allied scientists, post-
graduates in environmental science and physical sciences and specialists in
education, economics and sociology. The well developed residential campus is
supported by reasonably equipped workshop, lab and library facilities and a
modern communication network."
The LRTC has developed very close and cordial interaction and professional
association with a number of academic and R&D institutions and agencies like
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Cochin University of Science and
Technology (CUSAT), Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Centre for Earth
Science Studies (CESS), Centre for Development Studies (CDS), Department of
Science and Technolagy (DST), Science, Technology and Environment Committee
(STEC), State Planning Board (SPB), Kerala Institute of Local Administration
(KILA), 4gency for Non-conventional Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT),
Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), Tropical
Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI), Energy Management Centre
(EMC) etc
The R T C had been receiving grant-in-aid fmm the Department of Science
and Technology (DST), Government of India since 1987. But it has been stopped
I I IRTC, n o. p. 1
since 1998-99.12 The State Government support as grant-in-aid also is gradually
being reduced (Rs.20 lakh in 1998, Rs. 16 in 1999, Rs. 16 in 2000 and Rs. I2 lakh in
2001). But the success of IRTC in securing for project has been encouraging. The
centre is trying to diversify the sources so as to avoid overdependence on any one
funding agency. The Kerala Research Programme on Local Level Development
(KRPLLD) and IIST are the major sources at present'3.
The IRTC is an autonomous institution and its General Body consists of the
Executive Committee members of the KSSP, together with twenty nominated
members from among people's science movement activists, scientists and
academics. An executive committee with the President of the KSSP as its
chairperson overview the routine activities of the IRTC. The Director is the chief
executive officer of the lRTC and the Registrar is in immediate charge of
management. The research activities are guided by a Research Advisory Committee
consisting of *nior scientists and experts from various fields.I4
The major activities of the IRTC arein the following areas. (i) Energy and
Rural Technology, (ii) Land and Water Management, (iii) Agriculture and Allied
Activities, (iv) Human Resources Development and (v) Local Level Planning." In
general, the activities of R T C may be brought out as follows: ~esearch and
Development, Technology Adaptation and Modification, Technical Support,
l 2 IRTC: Report of Actrvides 1998-'99, p 3 l 3 RTC. n 6. o 5 . l a RTC; ~ e g r t of the FYogmmme for Participatory and Sustainable Panchayat Level Development Planning 1996-'98 (n.d.), p.3. '' RTC, n.13. p. I .
Consultancy, Train~ng, Project Implementation, Reports and Hand Book
Preparation, Product Development and Technology Transfer l 6
The Appropriate Technology Development Projects of the IRTC
IRTC is presently operating more than twenty five sponsored and inhouse
projects The projects can broadly be divided into five categories - Resource
Management and Planning, Agriculture and Allied Technologies, Energy and Rural
Industries, Health and Sanitation and Women Studies Women Studies projects are
discussed in Chapter VII For the sake of convenience of the study, some of the
important projects are selected for discussion. Before discussing the other current
projects, we shall discuss the pioneer project of the KSSP - Improved Wood
Burning Cook Stoves (Parishad Chulha).
Improved Chulha
A survey undertaken by the Kerala State Planning Board shows that 83.04
percent of the total &el consumed by the households in Southern Kerala is used for
cooking I' Kerala is amongst the most fuel dependent states in the country. A major
difference in domestic fuel consumption pattern in Kerala from the rest of the
country is the complete absence of coal. The wood balance of Kerala shows a
sizable gap between demand and supply.'8 The deficit is met with agricultural
wastes, forest wastes and dry leaves. The wood fuel is burned in open fire or in
'inefficient mud stoves. Cooking with purchased firewood in traditional stove is the
.
'"id. I 1 State Planrung Boani, Rural Energy Generation ond Use Pattern (Thhvananthapuram, 1985) '"erala forest Research Institute, Demand and Supply of Wood in Kerola and their Future Trenh vana an^, 1990), p.12.
most expensive fuel option and it is a paradox that the costly fuel is used by the
poor. The open fire or traditional chulha is the least eficient, where only 8 to 10
percent of energy supplied by the &el is utilized.19 The traditional Indian stove
causes considerable air pollution.
The IRTC research found that the best possible means of production of
stoves in large numbers with some degree of quality control at reasonable cost was
through decentralized production by artisans. This would also provide some relief
to the potters whose traditional craft was facing serious threat with the large-scale
introduction of metal and plastic ware. An elaborate training of potters was taken
up. Initially 12 potters from different parts of the state were given an intensive
training to make moulds for the various chulha designs. Thereafter using these
potters as trainers, training was given to local artisans in areas where they were
living in clusters Thus a mechanism of manufacturing moulds on a large scale
through a network of potters spread all over the state was established. Training for
KSSP activists in fitting of the stove was also organized simultaneously on a large
scale. Thus by 1984 the chulha models were ready for diffusion.20
The KSSP models were registered with the Department of Non-
Conventional Energy sources (DNES) and dissemination started with its support. In
1986 Agency for Non-Conservational Energy and Rural Technology (ANERT) was
made the primary agency through which the diffusion programme was organized.
The DNES subsidy for the stoves was channeled through ANERT. At present, 38
l 9 IADEA, n.5, pp.139-40 20 IADEA, n.5, p. 144.
agencies have installed 5 lakhs of high efficiency cook stoves in Kerala.'' The high
efficiency Parishad stove can bring the firewood consumption of an average
household down to one third to fifty percent.22
1. Resource Management and Planning.
Coastal Zune Master Plan for Thrissur District
Coastal zones are ecologically very sensitive and any development
programme implemented in coastal areas should be based on scientific studies. The
gamut of development activities on the coast - aquaculture, mechanized fishing,
tourism, thermal stations, port expansion etc - pose varying degrees of threats to the
coastal environment. Apart from the immediate question of adverse environmental
impacts is the larger issue of operationalising the paradigm of sustainable
development in coastal areas. Due to the peculiar features of Kerala, this is a
stupendous task, calling creative w-operation of the state, the local bodies,
23 scientific institutions, polltical parties, and non-governmental organizations.
Even though there were a numberof studies on coastal zone development
in general, there was no study conducted with an integrated approach. The main
objective of the project was to prepare a master plan for Thrissur district for its
coastal area development, taking into consideration the details regarding habitation,
sanitation and drinking water availability and various problems related to fishing
industry and scope of tourism in the area, based on the Coastal Regulation Zone
bid. " P.V.Unni Knshnan, "A Model for Participatory Technology Development: A Case Study of Parishad Chulhrs" (Palakkad, 1994), pp.14.
C.P.Geevan, "Kerala's Coastal Area: The Case foe a Coastal Zone Management Plan Covering Coastal Land and Watei' in M.A.Oommen (ed), Rethinking Development: tieralo's Dwelopntent Experience (New Delhi. 1999). p.280.
Act (CRZ). Various studies and surveys were conducted and a final report had been
prepared 2"
Preparation of Wateded - Based Development Project for Palakkad District
Considering the drought - proneness and water scarcity in Palakkad district,
the Rural Development Ministry has sanctioned about 3.5 crore for the watershed
development works in the distnct The Rural Development Ministry insisted the
District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) to spend this money on the basis of
comprehensive watershed based development plan. DRDA approached IRTC for
preparing watersheds and to prepare watershed based master plan. The major
objective of the project was to prepare detailed master plan for watershed based
development of each micro watershed in selected panchayats of Palakkad district.
Accordingly in the year 2000-01 IRTC prepared a development master plan for
micro watersheds at Mundur, Puduppariyarum and Akathethara panchayats and
submitted to DRDA 25
Study on the Pedbilitiea of evolving a Locally Appropriate and Integrated Credit Plan-the
caae of Akathethrr G r u a Panchaynt
The role of financial lnstitutions in the local level development is crucial In
the People's Planning Campaign, the local banks and other financial institutions
were identified as the major source of financial support. But the banks in Kerala
have not given any serious look into the changing scenario. The objective of the
study sponsored by KRPLLD of CDS was to propose a methodology and approach
24 IRTC, n.6, p. 11. 25 IRTC: Admi~Smtive Repon 1999-2000, p.3: ITRC, n.6, p.13
for evolving a locally appropriate credit plan, integrating with the perspective
development plan of the Grarna ~ a n c h a ~ a t . ~ ~
The project team examined the role of financial institutions in the
Panchayat's development activities critically assessed the role of existing credit
plan systems, its limitations and constraints. The project proposes some
methodology for the integration of the credit plan with the panchayat development
plan. A number of workshops and training programmes were conducted as part of
the project A hand book on Bankv'(,'redit Schemes was prepared 27
Participatory Local Development Programme (PLDP) -Phase I
The PLDP project was the result of the close interaction between the KSSP
and the Centre for Development Studies, especially the group associated with the
Indo-Dutch Collaboration Project called Kerala Research Project on Local Level
Development '" The first phase of the programme was started in May- 1990 and it was
completed in December 1998. Through this phase, a system had been developed for
data gathering and processing with maximum people's participation and local
initiatives Besides these, data had been compiled for different status reports such
as Socio Economic Report, Education Status Report, Health Status Report, and
Natural Resource Appraisal Report 29
'6 IRTC, n.6, p.20. '' Ibid., p.20. " IRTC: "The Repon of tire Programme for Participtory and Sustainable Panchayat Level Development Phning ' , Phase-I, 19%-'98, p.8. l9 IRTC: n.13. pp.10-1 I
The major outcome of the project was the emergence of new micro level
institutions which could strengthen the democratic process with more people's
participation. They are Registered Panchayat Development Societies (PDS), Ward
Development Committees (WDS). Neighbourhood Groups (NHG) for every 25 to
50 households, Sector-wise subcommittees for Panchayat level, ward level and
NHG level and Credit linked Self Help Groups envisaged for the empowerment of
Participatory Local Level Development Programme -Phase U
Different review committees had recommended the further extension of this
project to study the dynarn~cs of the micro-level institutions that emerged as a part
of the earlier effort and its stabilisation process. The major thrust of the second
phase was in developing the model of sustainable micro-level spatial planning, ie.
long term development planning and to develop a strategy for introducing these
models in all the LSGs (L,ocal Self Ciovernments) in era la^'.
The second phase of PLDP was started in January 1999. Duration of this
phase was 3 years ending Z 1 " December 2001. The draft report of the activities of
the programme was presented for discussion in a seminar held from 22-24' of
October 2001 at CDS, Thiruvananthapuram and the final report was completed in
March 2002 " The main objectives of this project were: to develop a set of models
of participatory planning for sustainable development, to develop local expertise, to
create suitable micro-level institutions, to undertake activities for empowering
- -- -- - -
" Ibid. " IRTC, n 6, p 22. '' KSSP, Annual Repon 2002. p 88
women, and to develop a series of implementation packages for selected
panchayats "
Five Grama Panchayats were chosen as working models of participatory
democracy with particular emphasis on resource based and sustainable
development planning - The Panchayats were Mayyil (Kannur), Onchiam
(Kozhikkode), Madakkathara (Thrissur), Kumarakom (Kottayam) and Mezhuveii
(Pathanamthitta)
9 great deal of emphasis was laid on the creation of micro-level
organizational structures like NHGs, PDSs and TSG, as these were perceived to be
the foundation for development. Various efforts were also made in the panchayats
for human capability development. The specific areas identified included
education, health, land and water management, data generation and documentation,
building up organizational structures, areas related to People's Plan Campaign,
Preparation of Perspedtive Plan and women centred activities. A total of about 50
such trainings were conducted at the state level and 230 at the Panchayat level. The
numbers of participants were 1670 at the state level and 16819 at the panchayat
level (More than half were women).
Some of these training programmes were followed up in a uniform way in
all the panchayats (eg. welcoming monsoon, drainage mapping, PRM and Resource
Appraisal, Sock-Economic Survey, Local History writing etc. Some projects like
Preparation of Watershed based Development Plan were taken up only in a local
33 IRTC, n. 11. pp.4344.
specific manner But in all the panchayats, the formulation of NHGs and TSGs had
a significant impact.3"
In all the panchayats where NHGs had been formed, the grama sabhas had
not only better attendance (especially of women), but also meaningful participation,
through the effective preparatory work done through the NHGs. A number of
documents/handbooks prepared by the PLDP core group came quite handy for the
State Planning Board and the PPC campaigners to enrich and empower their
fieldwork. The preparation of the Panchayat Development Report, a key document
in the PPC, was greatlyfacilitated by the pioneering work of the PLDP. Several
workshops and clinics were organized under PLDP to improve the quality of the
projects drawn up under the PPC The TSGs proved to be of great help to the grama
panchayats in project implementation and monitoring.35
But perhaps the most important contribution of PLDP was in giving a
special edge to the projects for the development of women and in generating the
capability of women themselves to conceive and implement these projects from a
women's perspective.
Basic studies undertaken in the five selected panchayats under the PLDP
relate both to natural as well as social resources. In addition to this, a
comprehensive Socio-Economic Survey and a document on Local History were
also attempted. The preparation of watershed based development plans was a major
concerned ares of the PLIIP and by the completion of PLDP process, a successful
34 Ibid., p.45. 35 Ibid., p.46,
field model has genuinely emerged. which is now eagerly sought for by several
other panchayats "'
Another key objective of the PLDP exercise was the preparation of
Sustainable Perspective Plan for a panchayat in a participatory manner. The most
innovative part of this was the "Collective Dreaming", an experiment to induce the
common people-not just a few visionaries-to dream about a new society which
could be realized with hard and purposive collective action. The whole plan was
centred around projects to create sustainable, productive employment, based on the
natural resources and strength of the panchayat.
Effort was also made in the area of empowerment of women. A key
instrument in this effort was the creation of -"Women's Core Group" (WCG) in all
these panchayats. They were given intensive training and encouragement to play a
leadership role in conceiving, planning and implementing women development
programmes and projects: They took the initiative in conducting Women's Sta& .
Reports and in organising Women Self Groups (SHGs), etc.
The Neighbourhood Group (NHG), Panchayat Development Society (PDS),
the Technical Croup (TSG) and lately the Women's Core Group (WCG) are
undoubtedly the lasting contributions which have taken roots and can cany forward
the various initiatives generated under the PLDP.'~
The major. findings of the PLDP report were: (i) The micro level
organizations developed through PLDP are stable and sustainable forms of social
36 Ibid. 37 Ibid., p.47.
capital that can knction as counter veiling power centres to establish true
democracy in a highly 'politically polarised' society like Kerala, (ii) The
intervention package - women core group - SHG - WDS, intended for the capacity
building of women has been very effective and therefore can be emulated in other
grama panchayats also, (iii) However, to ensure sustainability of the above system,
citizen's empowerment has to be a continuous mechanism. The citizen's education
package developed under PLDP is a successful strategy to ensure s u ~ t a i n a b i l i t ~ . ~ ~
An Action R w h on Empowering Grama Sabhas in Kerala
The Project aimed to improve the quality and functional scope of Grama
Sabhas by introducing d~fferent tools and package of activities to empower the
members of Grama. Five selected gramapanchayats namely Peralassery (Kannur),
Panangad (Kozhikode), Cheekode (Malappuram), Mundur (Palakkad) and Aryad
(Alappuzha) had been associated with the project The panchayats were selected
&om different parts of the state considering all possibilities of variations like
topography, political affiliations, tribal areas, intervention of NGOs and other
socio-economic factors Orientation classes through NHGs and seminars on
watershed and integrated development were conducted in all the project panchayats
to achieve maximum participation in the Grama ahh has.^' r
2. Agriculture and Allied Technologies
Inclined Upward Tapping in Rubber Trees for Substantial Yield I n c ~ a s e and Reduced
Bmwn Bast Incidence
The DST sponsored IRTC project has challenged the unscientific rubber
tapping method prevalent for the last 100 years. The project aimed for the
popularization of a new scientific rubber tapping technology, namely, inclined
upward tapping, which increases the latex yield substantially and reduce brown
bast incidence in rubber trees. Evolving a successhl methodology for the
popularization of the new technique and establishing a training centre at IRTC to
impart training in the new rubber tapping technique were the other objectives of the
project. Demonstration plots were set up in 10 locations in Kollam, Pathanamthitta,
Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode Districts. Among those who have allotted
plots include the public sector corporations like Plantation Corporation of Kerala
and Kerala State Farming Corporation. The handbook "Rubber Tapping - Inclined
Upward Tapping" has been published to facilitate the training
Self-Sustainiag Rabbi Rearing and h r Prucessing Units as an Income Generating activity for
Women
Rabbit have great potential to convert agricultural and kitchen waste into
quality meat and fur. It is quite suitable for backyard and production, and can be
taken up by rural women as an income generating activity.
The objective of the project were to develop a replicable model of
panchayat level rabbit rearing unit through establishing commercially viable rural
40 IRTC, n.27, pp.7-8.
enterprise, based on rabbit raising, and to establish a central slaughter house and
marketing facility at each Panchayat '"
The Central Rabbit Unit at lRTC is functioning full fledged. Strong
networks were built in three selected panchayats - Madakkathara, Puthur and
Akathethara. Training programmes are undertaken at IRTC. About 600 trainees
have attended different levels of training in the first year itself 42 The progress of
the project had been reviewed at the group monitoring workshop held on 24-28
November 1999 at NBRl Lucknow The committee had evaluated the progress and
rated as 'very good' and had recommended to translate the Malayalam Hand Book
Muyal ValarthaI C h i Swayam Thozh~l (Rabbit Rearing. A self-employment
project) into Hindi and Engl~sh The Kerala State Literacy Mission has identified
the handbook as a recourse book for the continuing education programme and
purchased 500 books for dlstnbution 43
Networks of S.rt.inabk Small Scale' Oyster Mushroom Production Units through Field
G m p of R u d Women
Mushroom cultivation has emerged as a promising ago-based, land
independent enterprise. Oyster mushroom has more potential in this country
because of the low-cost technology, direct use of agro-wastes and suitable climate.
Cultivation technology is very simple. Most suitable substrate for mushroom
cultivation is paddy straw 44
4' IRTC, n.6, p.26. 42 IRTC, n. 13, p.9.
KSSP, Annual Repon, 2002, p.90. 44 Ibid., pp.3,8; KSSP, Annual Report 2002. p.90
IRTC has made a deliberate attempt to internalize and develop expertise for
mushroom cultivation with an aim to popularize it as an income generating activity
for rural women. The project aims to establish economically viable, self sustaining
small-scale oyster mushroom production units in selected panchayats with sole
participation of women, by providing training and technical help, and supply of
good quality spawn.4s
IKTC has established a mushroom spawn production lab at the campus.
Rural women from neighbourhood panchayats were trained in mushroom
cultivation. During the year 2001. about 4000 packets of spawns have been
supplied to panchayats and local cultivators. Mushroom units in various panchayats
were given technical guidance by IRTC team.46
3. Energy and Rural Industries
Meenavallom Small Eydel Project
The Kerala approach to elect~icity development has been based entirely on
hydro-electric projects. This preference is accounted on the one hand for the lack of
oil or coal resources and on the other the abundance of water resources, with 41
west-flowing and 4 east-flowing rivers. But Kerala's hydro power development, on
which the state was solely dependent tun into tough times during the 1980s for
several reasons, environmental constraints being the most important. Very little
funds were spent on strengthening the Transmission and Distribution (T&D)
Systems. As a result the lines got overloaded and the T&D losses mounted to 30 %.
45 IRTC, n.6, p.28. 46 IRTC, n.13, p.9.
In some parts of the state, the customers' voltage is as low as 30V instead of the
regular 23OV '' The situation makes decentralized power generation based on local
resources attractive for rural areas of Kerala. Kerala's undulating terrain and
numerous perennial streams offer ideal conditions for energy generation based on
Small Hydel Projects ( sHP) .~~ SHP development in the state was previously given
a low pr~ority due to the widely-held perception that SHP schemes don't pay
economically. The reason for this misgiving is the failures, and delays associated
with earlier SHP projects
The Meenvallam SHP project is a major consultancy work undertaken by
LRTC along with the Karimba Grama Panchayat of Palakkad District. The detailed
investigation of the site aimed at establishing the feasibility of a small hydroelectric
project was underteken with the support of the Science Technology and
Environment Committee and the (ANERT). The investigations ran from April 1994
t o March 19% involving topographical, hydro-meteorological and socio economic
data collection and preparation of a cost effective design. Local community
members trained for the purpose collected data. The Civil Engineering students
conducted the engineering survey of the area.49 The hydro-meteorological data
collections were done by semi-skilled young men from the locality, selected and
trained for the purpose. The IRTC provided the technical support base.50 CWRDM,
41 R.V.G.Menon, "Energy Planning" in MA.Oommen (ed.), Rethinking Development: Kerala's Development Fxpience Vd.n, (New Delhi, 1999), pp.459-69; KSSP Annual Repon 1998, pp.61-62.
P.V.Unni Kridmaq " S t l S e g y for Demand Side Based End-use Oriented Energy Management of the K e d a Power System" (Pahkka4 1996). 49 T.M.Tho~nas IPDC and Richard. W.Franke, Local Democracy and Development People's Campaignfor De~~tral isedPlanning in Kerala (New Delhi, 2000), p.74.
IRTC. n.27. p.2.
CESS, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), Land Use Board and Forest
Development Department were also involved in the Meenvallom study. The data
revealed that the site have a gross head availability of 210m and a minimum
average daily discharge of 0.1 1 cubic metres per second, which was used for design
calculations. Since the KSEB grid extends very close to the site, the goal of the
local community was to supply power to the existing grid to improve voltage. The
project had a run-of-the-river design for 4 hours generation during the evening
peak5'. The instalied capacity of the project is 3MW and 8.4 Million Units of
energy will be produced annually. The submergence area comes to a very small
area of 0 3 hecters. The rate of power purchase has been fixed as Rs.2.5 per unit for
the first five tears and Rs. 2.12 for the second five years.s2
The project report prepared by IRTC for the Meenvallom SHP has been
taken up by PalaWrad District Panchayat for implementation with full technical
support from IRTC through a public limited conipaoy called Palakkad Small Hydro
Company.53 Forest clearance had been procured but the forest land earmarked for
the project is yet to be handed over to the company.54
A Micro H y d d Momasing Pump as Turbine Kavarakundu, MaIampuzha
This is a joint venture of IRTC, Fluid Control Research Laboratory (FCRL),
Kirloskar Brothers Company and Malampuzha Grama Panchayat sponsored by
.- -.
" Resy George, ''Assessment of Small Hydel Potential in a Micro-Watershed in Bharathapuzha Basin" Paper presented at 8" Kerala Science Congress. 19% quoted in Issac and Franke, n.5 I , p.74. " IRTC. n.6, p.36. '' lbid. 54 IRTC, n.35, p.36; KSSP Annual Repon, 1Y%, pp.52-53.
KRPLLD, and CDS. The concept 'pump as turbine' and 'induction motor as
generator' for micro hydel stations is a wide spread technology in 3rd world
countries The projects alms to install a micro hydel scheme coupled with a
drinking water scheme which benefits to a tribal colony of 40-50 hamlets at
Kavarakundu near Malampuzha reservoir 5 5
Field testing of a Weod Burning Gasifier for Energy Generation and Evaluating the
Performance using Coeesut Palm Products
Biomass Gasifier rs a device that converts solid biomass into combustible
gas through incomplete combustion and the gas thus produced is called producer
gas. The gas, thus produced, if cooled and cleaned can be used as hel. The gas has
many industrial and domestic applications. This was a CDS hnded collaborative
project with Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. The project is aimed to evaluate
the techno-economic feasibility of biomass gasifier with prevailing conditions in
Kerala and to specifically test the feasibility of coconut @owns as fuel in gasifier.
Emphasis is given to the decentralised energy generation and management for the
above system in the field level with people's participation.56
Total Village Ekcb%clUoll Programme in Chathamala Colony in EWulam Pancbayat using
Biomass Gasifer
This was a collaborative project with Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
and Elikkulam Grama Panchayat. The major objectives include electrification of
Chathamala colony using bio-residue gasifier and distribution of cooking gas,
which will accelerate the overall development of the whole area with a number of
IRTC, n.27, p.9, IRTC, -6, p.30; IRTC,n.35,pp.34-35 56 IRTC, n.6, p.32; IRTC. 11.35. p.32.
programmes like providing electricity for lighting, drinking water supply,
entrepreneurship development and generation of employment opportunities. This is
also expected to evdve a replicable model for decentralized biomass based power
generation system with people's participation which will make the village self-
sufficient in energy. 57
Electronic Bstlwt for Ruorescent Tubes and Compact Fluorescent Lamps
The DEFENDUS (Development Focused End Use Oriented) study
undertaken by IRTC shows that one third of the total power consumption and three
fourth of the peak load goes for the lighting.purpose only. The study also reveals
that this consumption can be reduced significantly if energy efficient lighting
devices like fluorescent tubes and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are used
instead of ordinary bulbs. But this cannot be implemented immediately, because the
lampdballast available in the market are of poor quality and would cause havoc in
the distribution system, if used in large numbers. So IRTC decided to take up the
R&D work to produce and market good quality electronic ballasts, which meet the
IS specification 58
Hot Box Modification
The Hot Box developed by IRTC using high grade thermocole is a modified
version of the good old 'Kachippetty' for energy conservation in cooking The Hot
Box is being marketed by Parishad Production Centre and it has become popular
among the people. IRTC has been trying to improve the durability and appearance
~
57 IRTC, n.6, p.33. IRTC, n.6. p.34; IRTC, n.35. p.37; KSSP Annual Report, 1997. p.56.
of the Hot Box through providing a suitable coatingtskin and contacted a lot of
institutions and industries for the same5'
Development of New Techniques for the Resewation of Coconut Leaves and Bamboo Poles
using Copper Sulphate as Preservative Material
The leaves of coconut tree and bamboo poles are widely used in
construction work and in small scale industries. But. these materials are
biodegradable requiring rethatching of the houses every year which causes much
financial strain The major objective of the project hnded by Department of
Science, Technology and Environment (STED) is to develop a simple and cost
effective non-hazardous technology for the preservation of coconut leaves and
bamboo poles. 'The project is of high socio-economic relevance especially for the
economically backward population of the state.60
Toilet Soap and Detergee Making
The making of toilet soap, which is one of the major consumer items in
Kerala, can be taken up as an income generating activity at homestead level. IRTC
has standardized the technology for toilet soap making suitable for homestead level
production with an assured quality. A separate society, viz., Samatha Production
Centre, has been established to manage the production, marketing and raw-material
distribution. IRTC has succeeded in developing the technology and popularizing it
as an income generating activity. KSSP organizational network is actively involved
59 IRTC, n.6, p 35. Ibid.. p 77
in the popularization of' the technology. All district offices of KSSP are now
equipped to give training and manage material supply 6 '
4. Health and Sanitation
Solid Waste Management (SWM) of Chalakkudy Municipality
Most mun~cipalities in Kerala are yet to establish adequate solid waste
treatment facilities. Presently there is no economically viable technology available
to process the small quantities of solid wastes generated in the municipalities and
suburban areas Through this project IRTC has made an attempt to bridge gap
between actual field conditions and laboratory results. This was accomplished by
the appropriation of available technologies to conceive a sustainable model through
adaptive research and thereby build confidence among the functionaries of local
bodies to make and run their own plant. IRTC can provide technical and
managerial backup to the efforts of local self governments to get rid of this social
menace.62
Promoting Waste Tmatment Initiatives in Local Self Government Institutions in Kerala
through Tecbdogy Adaption and Transfer
'The major problem faced by the municipalities of Kerala is the non-
availability of locally adaptable, economically and environmentally sustainable
technology for solid waste management. Through this project IRTC proposes to
bridge the gap between the available standard waste treatment technologies to
develop a susta~nable model through adaptive research and its transfer to local
bodies in order to build confidence among the functionaries to install and run their
61 IRTC, n.27, p.2: RTC, n.6, p.40; KSSP Annual Report, 2001, p.53 6'IRTC,n.13,p.10.1RTC.n.6,p.40;IRTC,o.35,p.39.
own treatment plants. It is an action research tried to execute through panchayat
governance by IRTC providing technical support. For this purpose, a waste
treatment demonstration yard was installed in IRTC campus and certain
experiments on different combinations of animal manure and the wmposting
durations, effect of covering, standardisation of composting fundamentals and
verrni cornposting were conducted6'
An Action Rexarch Prr(lramme for Improving Sanitation Facilities in Waterlogged Areas
In Kerala, coastal areas and areas adjoining the backwaters are affected by
groundwater pollution due to high water table. The affected area is about 8% of
the total land area of Kerala. Septic tanks are among the major contributions of
ground water contamination in these areas. So, it was felt that composting latrines
are more suitable in these areas. The main objectives of the project hnded by
KRPLLD (CDS) were to study the functional efficiency of the modified compost
latrine for waterlogged areas in Kerala and to assess the suitability of the modified
system in different waterlogged areas of Kerala.
Kumamkom Panchayat in Kottayam district was selected as the study area.
Detailed study about the waterlogging problem in the area was done. A urine and
washing diversion closet was developed in IRTC and tested successhlly in the
field. Two compost latrines with this closet were constructed in the panchayat.
Another compost latrine without closet was also installed.64 ,
IRTC, II 35, p 40 64 IRTC, n 6, p 41; IRTC, ~ 3 5 . p 42
Capitalist forces act not only at the global level but even at the local remote
level, establish their hegemony through their control over the economy and their
appropriation of knowledge. A people's movement like the KSSP has to respond to
this kind of a world order which is complex and exploitative. Since its very
inception, the KSSP has been sensitive to this situation. Sooner it recognized that
imparting scientific outlook through the process of wnscientisation alone won't do.
Empowerment of the people with the knowledge of nature and society is possible
only through the extension of science and technology to their regular economic
activities. It was with this realization that the KSSP started thinking in terms of
establishing a permanent research and development wing for the development,
practice and promotion of appropriate technology. In the form of IRTC, it has
grown into an institution capable of adapting technologies known elsewhere into
forms very much acceptable to the people, disseminating scientific culture, working
out local level development plans, taking new technologies out of R&D institution
for field trials and developing integrated science and technology packages and
management models for strengthening local economies.