In India, 70% of the population lives in rural areas and over 60% depends on agriculture and related activities for livelihood. As the saying goes, necessity in the mother of invention. Technology is not just computers and automobiles, it is also the ingenuity of the common man manifested through development of a range of technologies, tools and machines, farms and factories to make life a little easier across the fields and villages of India.

	Papier Mache: Jammu & Kashmir Papier mache, a craft believed to have originated in Iran, is one of the most famous crafts of Kashmir and is known by its Iranian name of kari qalamdane (qalamdane means a pen case). Traditionally, the most famous product was the inkpots or kalamdar. Today, the product line includes a diverse range such as boxes for jewellery, flower vases, desktop accessories, trays, candle stands, photo albums, and decorative bowls. Objects made of papier mache are built of paper pulp, or layers of paper pulp. However, the craft of papier mache refers, in practice, here actually to the technique of surface decoration rather than the creation of the body of the object. Waste paper is soaked in water for about a week and then beaten with a big hammer. The paper is then mixed with starch made from the water of boiled rice and gum. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Walnut Woodcarving: Jammu & Kashmir Carved walnut woodwork is among the most important crafts of Kashmir, the only part of India where the walnut tree grows. The wood is hard and durable, its close grain and even texture facilitating fine and detailed work. Carving is the demonstration of the carver’s skill, and walnut is eminently suitable for this, being one of the strongest varieties of wood. The carving of furniture and smaller items is an elaborate process and involves high degree of skill and craftsmanship. The carving is done with the help of small indigenous tools. Wax polishing brings out the sheen inherent in walnut wood, and is by far the most popular finish. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	The Kottans: Tamil Nadu The Kottans are traditional palm leaf baskets of Chettinad, situated in southern part of Tamil Nadu state. Kottan basket making has been a leisure craft of the Chettiar women and is a craft rich in skill, utility and with a glorious history. These baskets were used mainly for packaging and as containers for gifts and thamboolam during weddings and other rituals held in the family. The colorful kottans containing beetle nut leaves and areca nuts were given to friends and relatives as a form of invitation and as an agreement. These baskets were also decorated with beads and crochet. The M. Rm. Rm. Cultural Foundation, a non-profit organization working towards the research, documentation and revival of languishing crafts, textiles and architecture, has revived this craft by imparting training and adapting new designs to suit present day trends. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Pattachitra: Orissa Pattachitra means a picture painted on a canvas. Orissa is famous for this art. The origin of pattachitra is dated back to the sixth century A.D. as they are available in fragmental in the caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri. The handmade canvas painting generally carry Hindu mythological theme depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, Epic Ramayana War, Lord Krishna's romantic moods. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Banana Fiber Products: Kerala The artistic skill and innovative ideas of rural women folks in a village called Sreekariyam, near Trivandrum, turn the waste into wealth and provide their livelihood. Banana tree, after harvesting banana, is cut and it becomes useless. From this waste material, the women folks, draw fiber without using any high-tech machinery or tools. The fiber drawn from the barks of banana tree is used for making dress materials, ornamental articles and other utility products like shopping bags, tablemats, wall hangings, purses, flower- pot holders etc. Banana Fiber Shirt is made out of banana fiber and cotton thread. Cotton thread is used for warp (lengthwise) and banana fiber is for woof (cross wise). Using both, the fabric is hand woven in handloom by women folks. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Channapatna Toys: Karnataka Channapatna, a small hamlet situated 60 kms from Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India, is famous for its lacquered wooden toys. The brightly colored wooden toys that attract the attention of everyone are called Channapatna Toys. The toys have the accreditation of the Geographical Indications Registry of Government of India. Poor rural women predominantly occupy the toy making profession in the village. The skills and innovation of these women artisans are superb and passed down the generations. Most of the women artisan's income forms the main source of sustaining their livelihood. The less fortunate, in terms of education and economic well being, women artisans make these toys manually with simple tools. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Kondapalli Wooden Toys: Andhra Pradesh Kondapalli, a small village 16 km away from main the city of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh is well known for its wooden toys. The toys made in this village are called "Kondapalli Toys". The toys are made of softwood, known as Tella Poniki. The trees are naturally grown in the forest nearer to the village. The toys are handmade. Rural women folks are predominately involved in the toy making. Some of the toys are painted with vegetable colors. Toys are made in parts and joined by adhesive made out of tamarind seed paste. The toys are very natural and appealing. Elephant chariots, village craftsmen at work, and bullock cart are some of the famous toys of Kondapalli. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Handmade Lace (Narsapur Lace): Andhra Pradesh Narsapur, a small town in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh has a place in the world of fashion and exquisiteness. It has been famous for Crochet Lace making for more than 100 years. Most of the rural and urban women belonging to poor communities have opted for Crochet Lace Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Handwoven Silk Motifs: Assam & Tripura The Tezpur District Mahila Samiti (TDMS), established in 1921, is the pioneering women’s organization of the northeastern region of India. TDMS is a federation of about 120 primary women’s organizations at the village level with a total membership of over 10,000 women. The areas in which TDMS works, inter alia, includes literacy, micro credit, weaving and sericulture and development of agro based livelihood skills. There are 15 resident women weavers and 22 traditional looms in the organization’s premise at Tezpur, Assam. Only traditional handloom weaving is encouraged by TDMS and consequently, finished products take time to complete. Thus, for instance, a 12-inch width border (length 72 inches) with intricate color and design in silk takes approximately 2 days to complete; work with the same specifications in cotton takes about 1 to 1.5 days for an average weaver to complete. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Bamboo Cutlery Set: Assam & Tripura NGO based in Assam – Bhagya Laxmi Anchalik Sishu Vikash Kendra – has 500 women under 50 SHGs involved in bamboo craft. One such product is the serving bamboo cutlery set that is made from the last three segments of a fully matured Jati bamboo (Bambusa-Tulda) – one of the hardest bamboos – grown in Upper Assam. It requires anything between one to three days to complete a single piece, depending upon design, size and shape. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Bamboo Lamp Shade: Assam & Tripura Assam and Tripura are states of the North East region of India with large tribal population in the hills, having a long and glorious tradition of crafts and craftsmanship. Among so many other related fields of human development, handicrafts has played a significant role in providing rural population, particularly women, a sustainable source of income. The craftsmanship, per se, has come a long way changing its form, technique, and material base from time to time, adapting itself to the ever-changing demands of the local population. One of the art form in which Assam and Tripura have retained their glory is Bamboo Craft. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Collapsible Wooden Fruit Bowl: Himachal Pradesh The Dubbling Handicraft, Handloom Development Welfare Association was formed as an NGO is 1995 in Simla, Himachal Pradesh, a predominantly tribal state in the hills of Himalayas. The Association was established with the objective of strengthening and promoting the dying hilly art, handicraft and culture. The Association comprises about 125 SHGs in and around the city of Simla encompassing rural and semi-urban areas. These SHGs are engaged in handicraft, handloom, knitting, tailoring, weaving. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Sikki Grass Products: Bihar GVP is also involved in making products from Sikki grass. Sikki, the golden grass of Bihar, is found growing in the wet and marshy areas of Madhubani district. Traditionally, and till today, sikki grass products are made by household women, especially brides-to-be, and are taken to their husbands’ homes. To make sikki grass usable, it is first cut from near its base and then dried, after which the upper portion of the flowering stem is discarded. The remaining portion is finely sliced and shaved and used for making the products. The sikki, which is characterized by its wonderful golden hue, is also colored into myriad shades to make the products more attractive. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Mithila (Madhubani) Paint: Bihar Madhubani painting is the traditional art of drawing paintings on walls for the purpose of domestic beautification and ceremonial rituals. This art form is practiced predominantly by women in the northern Indian state of Bihar (Mithilanchal region) and has its origin from the district Madhubani, hence the name. Women in this region have been undertaking this art form as a tradition that has been passed down from one generation to another. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Chikankari: Uttar Pradesh Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is the centre of chikan embroidery, renowned for its timeless grace and its finesse, a skill more than 200 years old. This form of embroidery is believed to have been introduced by Noorjehan, the queen of the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. Sources also attribute that chikankari originated in East Bengal where the word chikan meant ‘fine’. Typically, the garments are first stitched and then embroidered although skirts, saris, and table linen are first embroidered and then finished. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Phulkari: Punjab Phulkari, literally meaning flower-crafting, refers to the vibrant embroidery that originates from Punjab. The art of phulkari initially involved the embellishment of odhini (head cloth) with embroidered flowers by the women of Punjab. Over time, the craft technique became more complex and heavily embroidered odhinis called bagh (garden) came to be in vogue, wherein the embroidery covers every inch of the entire base material so that the cloth is completely invisible. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Wood Inlay: Punjab A craftsman’s commitment to nature, wood, a resource once available in abundance, caught the imagination of Punjabi craftsmen and keeping in mind the ecological balance and importance of forests, they practiced the art of inlay on waste wood. Innovator:N/A Agency:N/A
	Watermill Power Generator Water, canalized from a stream or a river falls on the fulcrum and rotates a steel runner which is connected to a flour mill through a V-belt. Mere force of water runs the flourmill and the same watermill (called “Gharat” in local language) is used to generate electricity in the night. It generates electricity of 3 to 5 KW and the power generated through the watermill can be used for purposes like running a motor which can be connected to any machinery operated by electricity or even lighting a house. Innovator:HESCO-Himalayan Environment Studies and Conservation Organization, Rudraprayag, Uttaranchal, www.watermill.org Agency:
	Aaruni Tilting Cart Tilting cart is an innovatively designed bullock cart which overcomes the shortcomings of traditional carts and reduces the drudgery of animals by having an additional wheel to balance the load. Durable, sturdy and cost efficient the cart also has a tilting mechanism, based on a rope and pulley system which can be controlled by a lever located alongside the cart driver. The cart has been developed in two designs and the load carrying capacity is 1.5 to 2.0 MT. Innovator:Mr. Amrutlal Agrawal, Junagadh, Gujarat Agency:Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network
	Chandraprabha Varsha Rain Gun Low cost, efficient and flexible rotor sprinkler can be used for sprinkling up to a radius of 110 feet in agricultural fields with alternative nozzle sizes to suit user requirement. The discharge stream is thick and strong, it can even wash away pests without physically damaging the plants. The gun has been developed in five designs including one with a gear system. It can be used for irrigating crops like sugarcane, groundnut, tapioca and can be used as a water sprinkling device in agriculture, plantation and playfield maintenance. Maintenance cost of the rain gun is very low and it irrigates 1 acre in 1½ hours and saves water upto 50%. Innovator:Shri Annasaheb Udgavi, Belgaum, Karnataka Agency:Rural Innovations Network
	Modified Fan Design Made of bamboo, the fan is highly efficient, environment friendly and cost-effective. The multi-bladed, double-layered fan is used to blow air in order to separate rice and husk when the mixture falls from the rice husking and winnowing machine. It generates a better heat sink. The bamboo fan has two sets of large and small blades, located circumferentially in the same axial shaft. Bamboo fan can be used as a forced-air paddy cleaner in rice mills thus saving on labour cost. Innovator:Mr. Nipul Bezbora and Mr. Bipul Bezbora, Jorhat, Assam Agency:Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network
	Dual Purpose Rotary Huller The huller can be used for grinding different types of raw materials at a time into fine powder. It is operated on an electric motor which consumes less power and works on the principle of movement of plunger in hollow tubes where the plunger pulverizes the material inside the hollow tube. The huller can be used for grinding grains, herbs for medicinal use and spices. The device is low cost, easy to operate, requires low maintenance and is rugged in construction. Innovator:Mr. A.N. Manoharan, Madurai, Tamil Nadu Agency:National Innovation Foundation
	Coconut Husker This semi-automated mechanical device, efficiently and conveniently husks coconuts. The husker runs on a 1.5 hp. motor and has two sharp blades, attached to a cylindrical metal rod. It can husk more coconuts compared to manual husking. The husking process is simple and safe for labourers and helps coconut traders and industries to cut down their operating costs and overcome the problem of shortage of labourers besides enhancing productivity. 250 coconuts per hour can be husked. Innovator:Mr. R Jayaseelan, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu Agency:National Innovation Foundation
	Zero Head Water Turbine Its novelty lies in its portability and the fact that there is no need for a dam. The zero head water turbine generates electric energy from flowing river water and simultaneously pumps the water for irrigation or other similar purposes. Linear flow of the river current is converted into a centrifugal force, which drives the turbine. Maintenance cost is very low compared to hydro-electric, steam or any other power plant and can be set up anywhere, be it plains or mountains. It has high potential for use in rural areas where electric power supply is not available and can be used for pumping water and generating power. This cost effective device has market potential across the globe especially in developing countries. Innovator:Mr. Nripen Kalita, Kamrup, Assam Agency:Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network
	Microwindmill-driven Battery Charger The device is a miniature version of power windmill and harnesses wind energy to generate sufficient electrical potential to recharge batteries of cellular phones, portable music players, palmtops, laptops etc. The portable gadget can be used when one travels long-distance in trains or buses for recharging batteries. It produces direct current (DC) flow of up to one ampere at a potential difference of 12 volts. The current generated is sufficient to operate most portable electronic devices. Mass production of the micro windmill and promoting its use among the travelling public using electronic gadgets will help to conserve resources by switching over to wind energy. Costwise, it will be much less expensive than using dry cells. Innovator:Mr. N.V. Satyanarayana, Vishakapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Agency:National Innovation Foundation
	Innovative Healthcare Chair It is a unique combination of hammock and rocking chair, swing and lower body exerciser. The chair serves the purpose of seating as well as performing exercises to reduce back and knee/joint pain. It is ideally suited to working executives, IT professionals whose jobs involve constant sitting on the chair. The entire unit is collapsible and portable. The chair is available in different designs and can accommodate a person weighing upto 120 kgs. Innovator:Mr. Sakrabhai Prajapati, Mehsana, Gujarat Agency:Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network
	Pedal Operated Washing Machine cum Exercise Machine Low in cost, portable and eco-friendly the machine is semi-automated and mechanical in nature needing no electricity to operate. A pedal operated washing machine for clothes, it works on the principle of tumbling effect. It has been developed using bicycle parts and is an ideal household appliance for rural population. The device comprises a cube shaped encasement, which rotates through a shaft integrated to pedals with a seating arrangement for the user. It also serves the purpose of an exerciser, even as it saves on electricity. The machine helps reduce the drudgery of washing clothes by hand. It can also be used to wash vegetables and fruits. Capacity of the machine is 3 kgs. per washing round in a cycle of 20-30 minutes. Innovator:Ms. Remya Jose, Malappuram, Kerala Agency:National Innovation Foundation
	Tapioca/Cassava Peeling Device Highly energy efficient, low cost and hygienic, the machine is used for peeling of tapioca/cassava roots which are further used to extract starch powder. The machine is completely made of stainless steel and food grade rubber components. It has high market potential in cassava growing areas of Nigeria, Brazil, Indonesia. The machine can be used for extraction of starch powder that can be used in starch-based industries or as an addition to animal feed. Capacity of the machine is to peel 5-6 kgs. of tapioca/cassava per minute. Innovator:Mr. Uddhab Kumar Bharali, North Lakhimpur, Assam Agency:Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network
	Coconut/Palm Tree Climbing Device This is a simple, safe, cost effective and easy to use device for any season for climbing coconut or palm trees, reducing the climbing time to 1-2 minutes for a 40 metre tree as against 4-5 minutes traditionally required. The device is made of MS steel, steel rope wire and rubber pad. The markets for this device are places where palm trees are cultivated such as the southern Indian state of Kerala, various South East Asian & African countries. It can be used for climbing trees, fruit harvesting, spraying pesticides and also for climbing electric posts. Innovator:Mr. M.J. Joseph alias Appachan, Kannur, Kerala Agency:National Innovation Foundation
	Boiled Tea Making Machine Hygienic and fully automated, programmable to customized taste, this tea making machine works on electricity. It facilitates making tea by separately pumping and heating water, adding tea-leaves, sugar, milk, boiling and filtering and dispensing ready-to-drink tea automatically in cups. The entire tea making process is automatic and each user can set proportions according to taste. The machine makes four cups of tea in five minutes. Ideal for rural population, as the cost of the machine is very reasonable. Innovator:Mr. Ashok Kumar Dhiman, Firozepur, Haryana Agency:Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network
	Manual Milking Machine User and animal friendly, the device helps farmers in milking milch animals hygienically. The milking machine uses a set of reciprocating vacuum pumps with a vacuum gauge, an elegant udder and suction assembly unit with a control valve and a well gasketed milk canister with transparent pipe conduits to receive milk. It does not harm cows as electricity is not used. The machine prevents leakage of milk and is easily detachable for cleaning. It can be used by individuals, small/medium size dairy owners and milk co-operatives. Innovator:Mr. Raghav Gowda, South Canara District, Kerala and improvised by Mr. Joy John Thengumkudiyal, Kerala Agency:National Innovation Foundation
	Manuel Tile Making Machine This cost effective, ergonomic, manually operated machine is used for making roof tiles. The unit comprises a bicycle wheel, crank, rope-link, pinion, polyethylene sheet and support frame. The operator sits down and pedals the unit, which facilitates the uniform agitation of the tile mixture to remove air-bubbles. Productivity of the machine is one tile per minute and approximately 300 tiles are made in a day. The device is simple in configuration and economic as the running and maintenance costs are negligible. Innovator:Mr. Sukhranjan Mistry, Udhamsingh Nagar, Uttaranchal Agency:National Innovation Foundation
	Athangudi Tiles Cost-effective and totally handmade, these tiles are simple, colorful, in pleasing designs, and very cool to walk on. Cement, baby jelly and sand along with synthetic oxides make up the composition of the tiles. They are cast from clay that is first burnt and then glazed, no ionization or heat treatment is required. The tiles do not reflect, radiate or conduct heat and also the wear and tear is minimal. Athangudi tiles are generally used only for flooring and are best suited for courtyards and drawing rooms, as motifs. The best part of the manufacturing process is that no expensive equipment or machinery is required. Innovator:The Heritage Tiles Associationi Agency: Athangudi, Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu 630 101
	Fibre Matchsticks Environment friendly and an alternative to wood, these matchsticks are made from natural fibres. No harmful chemicals are used, except for the mandatory phosphorus. Fibre matchsticks are in the form of a thick thread and comprise a plurality of natural fibres secured with each other by means of natural binders such as sago. Fibre matchsticks ignite like the conventional wooden matchsticks, burn longer, are not easily breakable and are cheaper. Manufacture of these matchsticks has significant employment generation potential in the small-scale industry sector as well as for women working at home. Innovator:Mr. Uttam Sambhu Patil, Nandurbar, Maharashtra Agency:National Innovation Foundation
	Venus Energy Efficient Kerosene Burner It is a novel energy-efficient burner for kerosene stoves and burners with an improved design. The burner delivers 37% savings in kerosene consumption, lasts longer, is safe to use, makes less noise and is easy to maintain. Venus Energy burner can be used in homes and small eateries and the cost of the burner is very reasonable. Innovator:Mr. V. Thiagarajan, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Agency:Rural Innovations Network
	Gear System for Cycle Rickshaw The principle employed in the gear system is similar to the double sprocket system, where two free wheels are used. The free wheels are provided on the front and rear shaft of the gear system and comprises a dog lifter, instead of a spring loaded dog pawl. It provides free movement in both clockwise and anticlockwise direction. It requires less effort as compared to a conventional rickshaw and reduces the drudgery of the rickshaw puller. The cost is very affordable. Innovator:Mr. Sheikh Jabbar, Nagpur, Maharashtra Agency:Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network
	Bullet Driven Plough “Enfield Bullet”, a powerful motorcycle is used as a replacement to the bullock. The motorcycle is then fitted with a multipurpose device instead of the rear wheel. The device has various kinds of tools used for farming, inter-culturing, sowing operations and can also be used for spraying and other agricultural operations. It is also used for carrying goods with the attachment of a trailer. Innovator:Mr. Mansukhbhai Ambabhai Jagani, Amreli, Gujarat Agency:Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network
	Bicycle Mounted Sprayer Easily manoeuverable and cost efficient, the sprayer is mounted on any bicycle platform, with adjustable height and width of spraying boom to increase flexibility for various crops. Pressure is generated by the forward and backward movement of the bicycle and spraying is done through sprayer boom nozzles. Given its cost and energy efficiency, the sprayer can be used by farmers who have small or medium land holding. It can also be used as a water sprinkler for industrial purposes. Innovator:Mr. Mansukhbhai Jagani, Amreli, Gujarat Agency:Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network
	Auto Compression Sprayer A knapsack sprayer in which the compression for spraying is generated by tapping the natural body movements through the means of a spring loaded dead weight. Its innovative design facilitates increased spraying and lowers fatigue. The sprayer can be efficiently used by nursery owners and vegetable growers. The capacity of the tank is 5 litres. The sprayer has high market potential in developing countries where land holdings are small. Innovator:Mr. Arvindbhai Patel, Maninagar, Gujarat Agency:Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network
	Amphibious Bicycle Ergonomically designed, low cost and environment friendly, it is a manually operated transport vehicle, capable of transporting one person with forward and backward movement in water. It comprises a conventional bicycle fitted with two extra attachments that enable it to run on both water and land. Apart from its use in flood-prone areas, the amphibious bicycle has multiple applications in amusement, entertainment, commuting on lakes and back waters. Innovator:Mr. Mohammad Saidullah, Motihari, Bihar Agency:National Innovation Foundation
	Vanrai Bicycle Pump The bicycle based portable centrifugal pump is mounted on a carrier over the rear wheel of any bicycle. Pedal power is transferred from two pulleys attached at the back of the wheel to pump water. It can be used as a mobile water pump, as a fire extinguisher, for construction work and for irrigation. The bicycle is taken to the water source, parked on its stand and peddled to operate the pump. It is light in weight and can be operated manually, discharging upto 30 litres of water per minute. Innovator:Mr. Chandrakant V. Pathak, Pune, Maharashtra Agency:Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network
	Unicool Natural Water Cooler Environment friendly, low cost and energy efficient, the water cooler is made of copper, steel and cotton cloth. Water gets cooled naturally based on the principle of heat exchange. The cooling process does not require any external source of power for operation. This technology has tremendous potential in dry and hot climatic conditions where electricity is not available. It can be installed at offices and other public places. It can also be used as a pre-cooler for cooling fluids such as milk and water for industrial purposes. Innovator:: Mr. Arvindbhai Patel, Maninagar, Gujarat Agency:Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network
	Mitticool: Clay Refrigerator “Mitticool” – a village fridge, made of special clay is rectangular in shape and does not need electricity to operate. Designed to deliver cold water, required any time of the day or night and for storing fruits and vegetables without losing their original taste. It has an inlet for water which is circulated in the system through internal piping. In rural areas where power supply is erratic, Mitticool is a God sent gift. Around 8-10 days are taken to make one Mitticool at a very affordable cost. Innovator:Mr. Mansukh Prajapati, Wankaner, Gujarat Agency:National Innovation Foundation