Technology plays a vital role in improving the quality of life in society.  There is a requirement to improvise existing technologies so that they are people-friendly and appropriate to local needs. NGOs, with their experience of working with local people, have been playing a significant role in improvising and popularising various technologies.

Here are some examples of appropriate technologies developed by Vikash:-

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Bio-fertilisers provide multiple benefits in agricultural production processes.  They maintain the soil health and provide necessary nutrients to plants.  Since 1991, Vikash has promoted the use of bio-fertilisers on a large scale. 

Azolla is an aquatic fern that multiplies asexually.  Nitrogen fixing organisms in the leaves of the azolla fix atmospheric nitrogen and make it available to the plants.   Experience shows that it also reduces weed growth, improves soil texture, maintains moisture level and increases crop yield etc.  It is most suitable for paddy cultivation.

Seed material is multiplied in pits with earthen base. The pit should have access to sunlight and be based near to water source.  A water level of 6 inches needs to be maintained to ensure the asexual growth of azolla.   A small dose of phosphorous  enhances the growth of azolla.  Furadon is applied to control snail, insects, etc.  At project level, azolla seed bank (consisting of 40 pits) is maintained.  Azolla seed material is supplied to lead farmers at Gram Panchayat level. The lead farmers, in turn, multiply azolla in multiplication pits.  The farmers collect azolla from lead farmers and further multiply in a pit inside the paddy field. It is recommended to use 400 kgs of azolla/acre in paddy fields.

Click here for more information

The recent super cyclone has rendered millions homeless.   Since 1992, Vikash has been promoting appropriate technologies in housing.  A number of low cost model houses (e.g. SCV Wardha, Laurie Bekker, Ferro cement, TARA, and Pabel dome) demonstrate their suitability in the local environment. The model houses, barring the TARA model, withstood the super cyclone.  Vikash, with its team of engineers and architects promotes the construction of such cost-effective houses.

Click here for more information

Garbage has always been a nuisance for the city dwellers.   With the growth of a consumer society, urban solid waste is a big headache for urban planners and environmentalists.  Vikash has developed a system for waste collection, transportation and disposal.  The waste is processed by means of aerobic composting.  We have helped three municipalities in adapting the Vikash model.  Efforts are on to help more municipalities within the state of Orissa and other places to adapt this simple system.

Click here for more information

Disabled people have been understood to be a burden on society.  In the last two centuries, persons with disabilities were housed in exclusive institutions.   In the late 20th Century attempts were made to rehabilitate them in the community.  This was a more humane effort and was also quite cost-effective.  Vikash attempted and proved this model in 130 villages in Gop block surrounding the famous Sun Temple of Konark, on Orissa's east coast.  Hundreds have seen a drastic change in their lives.  People who could never dream of coming out of their houses are now major earning members of their families and have been liberated from the mercy of their family and friends.

Click here for more information

Vikash has facilitated the manufacturing of a organic fertiliser which is being marketed under the brand name Pragati .  It is an excellent soil vitaliser.  The product is produced from urban solid waste.  It is slowly finding a market in the urban and farming communities.    Efforts are on to launch a few more value-added products.

Click here for more information

Credit is one of the essential needs to start or strengthen micro-enterprises to increase one's standard of living.   The poor do not have access to the existing banking institutions.  Hence, it is essential to develop self-help institutions which would be easily accessible to the poor and down-trodden.  Vikash has promoted the formation of 1600 Self Help Groups (SHGs), consisting primarily of women, and their federation called Krushak Nidhi.    It has shown a way for management of SHGs in the state of Orissa.  It is the leading micro-finance institution in Orissa with a membership of 18,000 people.

Click here for more information