Our Bureau

Kochi , June 8

COCHIN University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) has proposed to utilise its expertise by converting its School for Rural Development and Appropriate Technology (SORDAT) into Centre for Rural Development and Appropriate Technology to help workers in the traditional industries.

As part of the programme, a vision plan will be prepared to create a healthy and self-reliant rural population enjoying the benefits of modern science and technology. Workers in traditional sectors such as khadi, bamboo, coir, pottery and handloom will be benefited through the programme. The aim is to improve the quality of products made by the traditional workers. The core areas of the vision plan included conservation of natural resources and their wise use, indigenous technology and intellectual properties and appropriate technologies.

The Centre will also work on areas like non-conventional energy sources, quality of life and food security. Other sectors identified included rural planning, habitat technology, rural water supply and sanitation, alternative resources and hi-tech to rural technology transformation. Food preservation and quality control, non-conventional energy sources, decentralised wastewater treatment and rainwater harvesting and quality monitoring had also been included in it.

Various departments in the university will provide the technological options, which could alleviate the problems of rural life. The Centre will provide training to the rural population in their guardianship of natural resources and traditional technologies. An action plan will be formulated to implement these objectives.

It was also decided to seek the support of Centre and State funding agencies for implementation of the project, CUSAT officials said. The university will provide technological support in projects aimed at improving the quality of products made by workers in the traditional sectors.

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