National Innovation Foundation - India

The National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF) conducted a Scouting and Documentation (S&D) sensitization programme in Pahalnar village, Ganderbal district, Jammu & Kashmir, engaging over 30 community members and students.

The programme included demonstrations of relevant grassroots innovations and herbal products, highlighting the value of traditional knowledge systems and their potential contributions to sustainable development. During the outreach, several unique practices related to agriculture, plant protection, and veterinary care were identified and documented.

Prior Informed Consents (PIC) were also obtained for selected plant protection and veterinary practices—particularly those addressing tick infestation and mastitis—for further validation and potential intellectual property protection.

The National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF) organized a Technology Demonstration Camp at Basmina village in Warwan Marwah, Kishtwar district, under the Dissemination and Social Diffusion (DSD) Programme, with the participation of over 22 local residents and farmers.
The camp featured live demonstrations of grassroots innovations developed in Jammu & Kashmir, including the Spade-cum-Hoe, Improved Shovel, Garbage Picking Device, Gas Cylinder Carrier, Shock-Absorbing Crutches, and Spill-Proof Kangri. Participants were familiarized with the features, applications, and benefits of these technologies, particularly in reducing drudgery and enhancing work efficiency in rural settings. The programme also highlighted NIF-India’s initiatives under the DSD Programme, including innovation scouting, value addition, prototype development, intellectual property support, business development, and technology dissemination aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods.

Participants expressed keen interest in the demonstrated technologies and appreciated NIF-India’s efforts in promoting grassroots innovations for sustainable development.

An awareness programme on Dissemination and Social Diffusion (DSD) of Technology was organised with active support from Warwan Wonders Agri-Tourism Cooperative society at Mungli village in the Warwan-Marwah region of Kishtwar district, in which around 35 participants, including students, farmers and community members, took part.

The programme aimed to create awareness about the mandate of National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF), with special emphasis on its technology dissemination initiatives. Participants were introduced to various grassroots technologies supported by National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF) that can help reduce drudgery, improve productivity and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities. They were also informed about NIF's efforts in identifying, recognising and supporting grassroots innovations, indigenous traditional knowledge and creative ideas developed by farmers, artisans, students and local communities, irrespective of their formal educational background.

A live demonstration of several grassroots technologies was conducted, including the Spade-cum-Hoe, Spill-Proof Kangri, Improved Shovel, Garbage Picking Device and Shock-Absorbing Crutches. Posters showcasing other innovations such as the Mini Load Carrier with Multi-Directional Unloading, Walnut Cracker and Walnut Peeler were also displayed.

During the interactive session, participants were introduced to farmer-developed plant varieties supported by NIF, including Nath Jumbo Seedless Grapes, HZKB-1 Improved Brinjal and HRMN-99 Apple. The programme concluded with an interaction encouraging participants to identify local problems, develop value-based innovative solutions, and seek recognition and support from National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF) for further development and dissemination of their innovations.

An awareness programme on Dissemination and Social Diffusion (DSD) of Technology was organised with active support from Warwan Wonders Agri-Tourism Cooperative society at Mungli village in the Warwan-Marwah region of Kishtwar district, in which around 35 participants, including students, farmers and community members, took part.

The programme aimed to create awareness about the mandate of National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF), with special emphasis on its technology dissemination initiatives. Participants were introduced to various grassroots technologies supported by National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF) that can help reduce drudgery, improve productivity and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities. They were also informed about NIF's efforts in identifying, recognising and supporting grassroots innovations, indigenous traditional knowledge and creative ideas developed by farmers, artisans, students and local communities, irrespective of their formal educational background.

A live demonstration of several grassroots technologies was conducted, including the Spade-cum-Hoe, Spill-Proof Kangri, Improved Shovel, Garbage Picking Device and Shock-Absorbing Crutches. Posters showcasing other innovations such as the Mini Load Carrier with Multi-Directional Unloading, Walnut Cracker and Walnut Peeler were also displayed.

During the interactive session, participants were introduced to farmer-developed plant varieties supported by NIF, including Nath Jumbo Seedless Grapes, HZKB-1 Improved Brinjal and HRMN-99 Apple. The programme concluded with an interaction encouraging participants to identify local problems, develop value-based innovative solutions, and seek recognition and support from National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF) for further development and dissemination of their innovations.

An awareness programme on Dissemination and Social Diffusion (DSD) of Technology was organised with active support from Warwan Wonders Agri-Tourism Cooperative society at Mungli village in the Warwan-Marwah region of Kishtwar district, in which around 35 participants, including students, farmers and community members, took part.

The programme aimed to create awareness about the mandate of National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF), with special emphasis on its technology dissemination initiatives. Participants were introduced to various grassroots technologies supported by National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF) that can help reduce drudgery, improve productivity and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities. They were also informed about NIF's efforts in identifying, recognising and supporting grassroots innovations, indigenous traditional knowledge and creative ideas developed by farmers, artisans, students and local communities, irrespective of their formal educational background.

A live demonstration of several grassroots technologies was conducted, including the Spade-cum-Hoe, Spill-Proof Kangri, Improved Shovel, Garbage Picking Device and Shock-Absorbing Crutches. Posters showcasing other innovations such as the Mini Load Carrier with Multi-Directional Unloading, Walnut Cracker and Walnut Peeler were also displayed.

During the interactive session, participants were introduced to farmer-developed plant varieties supported by National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF), including Nath Jumbo Seedless Grapes, HZKB-1 Improved Brinjal and HRMN-99 Apple. The programme concluded with an interaction encouraging participants to identify local problems, develop value-based innovative solutions, and seek recognition and support from National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF) for further development and dissemination of their innovations.

The National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF) successfully installed an Improved Dal Mill and an organic compost-making machine, and provided hands-on training at the Banda University of Agriculture and Technology (BUAT), Banda, Uttar Pradesh, on July 24, 2026. Organized by BUAT under the Dissemination and Social Diffusion project, the initiative aimed to drive local livelihood generation and promote grassroots innovations developed by Shri Bharat Chandra Rout (Kendrapara, Odisha).

Approximately 25 participants attended, including University staff alongside members of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from the Banda and Chitrakoot districts of Bundelkhand.

During the session, trainees were taught how to process various pulses such as pigeon pea, lentil, black gram, green gram, moong, and soybean using the Improved Mini Dal Mill. Designed to help farmers and rural entrepreneurs perform in-situ value addition right at the farm level, the machine aims to double their income.

Participants were also trained on how to effectively manage organic waste using the compost-making machine, which transforms biodegradable materials (such as cow dung, kitchen waste, dry leaves, and vegetable peels) into high-quality granular organic compost, promoting the concept of "Turning Waste into Wealth."

The National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF) successfully installed a Vegetable Deseeding Machine and conducted a hands-on training programme at the Banda University of Agriculture and Technology (BUAT), Banda, Uttar Pradesh, on 22 July 2026. The programme was organized under the Dissemination and Social Diffusion (DSD) project, with the objective of enhancing local livelihood opportunities by promoting community-driven, innovation-based economic models.

This initiative is particularly relevant during periods of market glut and declining crop prices, as the machine enables farmers to extract and process seeds from their produce, thereby creating an alternative and sustainable source of income.

The technology was developed by Shri Dillip Kumar Baral of Puri, Odisha. The training programme was attended by 10 participants, including university staff, and members of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from the Banda and Chitrakoot districts of the Bundelkhand region.

During the session, the innovator conducted a live demonstration showcasing the efficient extraction of seeds from tomatoes. A key feature of the machine is its ability to deseed produce such as tomatoes and brinjals without damaging the seeds, thereby preserving their quality and market value




Dr Jitendra Singh Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Arvind C Ranade MyGovIndia

A Technology Demonstration Camp was conducted at Kinawali village in Baramulla district, with the participation of more than 10 farmers and members of the local community. The camp featured live demonstrations of technologies developed by grassroots innovators from Jammu & Kashmir.

Organized under the Dissemination and Social Diffusion (DSD) programme of the National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF), the initiative aimed to showcase a range of grassroots innovations and promote their adoption in rural areas. The technologies demonstrated included the Spade-cum-Hoe, Ergonomic Spade, Garbage Picking Device, Gas Cylinder Carrier, Shock-Absorbing Crutches, and Spill-Proof Kangri.

Live demonstrations enabled participants to better understand the features, utility, and benefits of each technology. The session also highlighted NIF-India’s efforts under the DSD programme to facilitate technology interventions in rural communities, with a focus on reducing drudgery, lowering labour costs, enhancing productivity, and improving socio-economic conditions.

Participants expressed keen interest in several technologies, particularly the Spade-cum-Hoe, Ergonomic Spade, and Garbage Picking Device, indicating strong potential for adoption at the grassroots level.



Dr Jitendra Singh Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Arvind C Ranade MyGovIndia

A Capacity Building Programme on the theme “Grassroots Innovations for Inclusive Development” was conducted at ITI Sopore, with the participation of over 40 students. The programme aimed to raise awareness about technologies supported by the National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF) and to sensitize students to the role of innovation in addressing everyday challenges.

Participants were encouraged to think beyond conventional approaches, identify local problems, and develop practical, innovation-driven solutions. The session provided a comprehensive overview of NIF’s innovation support ecosystem, outlining the journey from idea conception and prototype development to value addition, Research and Development (VARD) support, business development, and intellectual property (IP) protection.

A multimedia presentation highlighted several successful grassroots technologies, including the Spade-cum-Hoe, Sanitary Napkin Making Machine, Multipurpose Agri Seed Sower, Walnut Cracking Machine, Walnut Peeler, and Pole Climber. Participants were also introduced to herbal innovations and farmers’ varieties conserved and supported by NIF-India.

Through these examples, it was emphasized that many impactful innovations have been developed by individuals without formal training in science or technology, underscoring that creativity, observation, and problem-solving are key drivers of innovation.

The programme concluded with an interactive discussion, inspiring students to adopt an innovative mindset and encouraging them to contribute towards inclusive and sustainable development through grassroots innovations.



Dr Jitendra Singh Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Arvind C Ranade MyGovIndia

The National Innovation Foundation–India (NIF) successfully installed a Multipurpose Processing Machine (MPP) and conducted a two-day hands-on training programme on 20–21 July 2026 at the Banda University of Agriculture and Technology (BUAT), Banda, Uttar Pradesh. The training was organized by BUAT under the Dissemination and Social Diffusion (DSD) Project and delivered by Shri Prince Kamboj.

The initiative aimed to enhance local livelihood opportunities through the adoption of a grassroots innovation developed by Shri Dharambir Kamboj (Yamunanagar, Haryana). Approximately 15 participants, including university staff and members of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) from the Banda and Chitrakoot districts of Bundelkhand, attended the programme.

The Multipurpose Processing Machine features a unique design that enables the processing of a wide range of products without damaging seeds, thereby preserving product quality and versatility. During the training, participants received practical exposure to food processing techniques and the preparation of value-added products. Using the machine, trainees successfully prepared a variety of items, including mango juice, tomato sauce and puree, papaya jam, orange juice and squash, chilli sauce, aloe vera-based products (juice, gel, soap, shampoo, and essences), as well as rose essence.

The programme was well received, with participants expressing enthusiasm and appreciation for the hands-on learning experience and its potential to support entrepreneurship and income generation in the region.



Dr Jitendra Singh Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Arvind C Ranade MyGovIndia