Rural Women Livelihoods Empowerment through Affordable Implements Design and Expertise Project at IIT Madras

Rural Women Livelihoods: Empowerment through transfer of affordable implements, design & transfer

Objective

• Rural Technology Activation Group (RuTAG) ? a pan IIT initiative conceived by the Principal scientific advisor, Government of India at IIT Madras since 2004 has been functioning as a mechanism to provide high demand driven science and technology interventions for rural areas. The group acts as a catalysing mechanism between technology institutions and grass root organisations, encouraging the development of science to meet urban and rural needs. In its mission driven approach, RuTAG has conceived the following technology interventions: 1. Small scale paddy thresher, 2. Fruits and vegetables vending cart, 3. The electronic jacquard handloom, 4. The mango seed decorticator

Description

• RuTAG will use its own design platform for local fabrication of the above-mentioned technologies so that customization and adaptation can be effectively implemented. The group will also help the beneficiaries, especially rural women, to adapt, adopt, transfer and replicate these scientific interventions in their every day life.

Impact

• Paddy thresher - Removes the paddy from the stalks of the crops and mildly crush the straw to make it edible for cattle. The device is low cost with high power, easy to install and maintain, Fruit and vegetable vending cart ? The cart provides increased space and storage features in a triangular framework, ensuring stable weight distribution. Other attributes include Modular Display, Foldable Side Extension, Modular Canopy, Portable Cooling Unit, Adjustable Handle, Modular Shade Sails, Foldable Stool, Water Sprayer, LED Light, Rechargeable Fan with Megaphone (Entertainment), Waste Collector, The electronic jacquard handloom - A wooden frame Handloom fitted with Mechanical Jacquard or Electronic Jacquard facilitates weaving of Fine Korai Grass Mat with wide variety of design by Weavers sitting in a comfortable posture. Electronic Jacquard facilitates easy storage and retrieval of designs in digital mode. The ergonomics of the Handloom is improved to facilitate comfortable sitting posture for the weaver enabling them to extend the working time by at least 25%. Seven-wheel take up mechanism employed to provide for auto take-up of woven mat, The mango seed decorticator - The machine will help to improve the productivity and provides extra income in rural societies. The kernels are separated and thrown separately thus reducing drudgery. The device is low cost with high power, easy to install and maintain. This technology provides sustainability as a result of clean environment as well as value addition of the Mango kernels results in livelihood opportunities for rural population.