Technology Transfer

 

 

Kavita Mehra

 

Technology transfer is the process by which basic science research and fundamental discoveries are developed into practical and commercially relevant applications and products. To achieve success in a hi-tech area, while synergy between science and technology development is the first requisite, an organic linkage between the laboratory developing the technology and the industry receiving the technology is the second requisite. In India, technology transfer from public funded research institutions to industry happens in various ways, either the research organizations have a special cell or department for a liaison between the research organization and industry e.g.

or there is an organization as interface between research organizations and Industry e.g. National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) and Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL).

 

National Research Development Corporation

It is a premier Knowledge Transfer Organisation (KTO) in India. It is a Section 25 Company established in December 1953 under the Ministry of Science and Technology with a mandate to commercialise, to develop and promote indigenously developed technologies from universities, individual inventors, national R & D Institutions, etc. [www.nrdcindia.com/index.html].  It has been playing a very significant role in providing a vital link between research network and industry in the country.

It has commercialised technologies in India and abroad and exported technologies, turnkey projects and services to countries both in the developed and under developed world. NRDC has taken on the task of acquisition, evaluation, development and transfer of technologies generated at the various national laboratories irrespective of the stage at which they have been developed. One of NRDC’s most important functions has been to make sure that worthwhile inventions, be it from the national laboratories, the private inventors, the small firm, budding innovator in the University did not go unnoticed or unrecognised. In the past, NRDC has been willing to provide assistance in developing a sound idea by providing direct financial support or make suitable arrangements for production under licence.

Over these years the Corporation has acquired more than 2000 technologies from different sources [www.nrdcindia.com/case.htm]. Up till 1986 CSIR had depended on NRDC for its marketing of know-how. NRDC had the sole and absolute right to unencumbered intellectual property produced by CSIR laboratories. Abid Hussain Committee (1986) recommended that NRDC monopoly on know-how generated in CSIR laboratories should end and CSIR laboratories be  free to license and commercialise technologies through whatever source they choose to.

1. Mechanism of Technology transfer:  Usually all the incoming technologies undergo a preliminary evaluation by the in-house engineers of the Corporation. Wherever expertise is not available in NRDC, services of consultancy organisations are availed of. Exposures to the entrepreneurs on the availability of know-how for commercial exploitation are done through advertisements, publications and get-togethers. Of late, the Corporation initiated a Knowledge Management Scheme in which all technologies inflows are screened by experts in the area and value addition is done to make better package deals.

Actual transfer of technology takes place after a legal agreement is executed by the client and NRDC which provides for certain initial payment and also royalty at a fixed percentage of sales value for a specified period. The agreement also provides for mutual exchange of information during the tenure of the agreement thus making available to the licensee any improvements in the technology during the contract period.

The technologies available with NRDC for commercial exploitation cover a wide range of sectors which includes drugs and pharmaceuticals, machinery, pesticides and herbicides, plasticizers, resins, electrochemical products and metallurgy, paints and varnishes, leather chemicals and auxiliaries, food technology, electrical, electronics and instruments, building materials, glass and ceramics, agro-based products etc.

2. Trends in Technology Transfer: Technology transfer disciplines have been passing through a cycle. Mechanical technology was appropriate for a decade in 1950’s, chemical discipline technologies in the 1960’s. Later it was import substitution and reverse engineering till economic liberalization in 1990’s. At present life science and biotechnology related technologies are prominent. Some successful technologies from 1960’s onward are Amul Baby Food, Pesticides, Surgical sutures, Drugs, Cinema Arc carbon, Blood Bags, Heart Valve etc. Now some of the successful technologies are Vaccines for cattle, biotechnology based drugs, etc.

3. Value Addition in the Technology Developed by NRDC: The commercialisation of unproven lab scale technologies involves high risk and therefore entrepreneurs generally are not keen on undertaking a venture based on such technologies. The Corporation therefore undertook several programmes to promote these indigenous technologies. Many such technologies have been developed through support from the corporation either through equity participation or developmental loans or grants. The above background calls for a system for proper evaluation of the technologies assigned to the Corporation and value addition to the extent possible for making a complete technology package for the entrepreneur/industry so that setting up a commercial plant becomes easier and the chances of success become high.

4. Knowledge Management System (KMS): For achieving KMS objectives, three expert panels have been formed: one each for Biotechnologies, Agriculture Related technologies and  Ayurveda & Herbal Technologies. The Expert Panels have advised a number of steps for value addition in a number of technologies. As a result of this, a number of technologies have been assigned and commercialised or are in an advanced stage of readiness for commercialization.

5. Market Surveys: Market survey for a technology is the key factor in getting advantage over competitors in the market. The survey provides important information required to identify and analyze the market need, market size and competition. Industry analysis & business research is helpful in decision making for launching new products in the market. To make the technology package complete, the Corporation carries out Market survey studies in-house and also by engaging outside consultants.

6. Basic Engineering Design Packages and Consultancy (BEDP): To bridge the gap between the laboratory scale technology and commercially acceptable technology, it is essential that a basic engineering design package is developed, which comprises of data required by the entrepreneur before setting up the commercial plant and also assist the entrepreneur in commercialisation of technology much faster.

7. Angel Funding by way of Equity: In order to encourage and develop first generation entrepreneurs, specially technologists, technocrats and professionals to enlarge the technological entrepreneurial base in the country, the Corporation is providing Angel funding by way of equity to the entrepreneurs who have their incubatee Companies based in Incubators supported by Department of Science and Technology.  The funding ranges from Rs. 10 lakhs to 30 lakhs based upon the scheme; assistance in soft terms being provided to entrepreneurs who are eligible, to promote risk oriented projects entailing the use of advanced and/or complex technologies or projects for the manufacture of new products from the new application. The financial presence of corporation in the venture not only lends credibility to the project but also builds confidence in the promoters, industry and other financial institutions in the prospects of the technology.

8.   Some Facts about NRDC:

 

 

Fig 1: License Fee & Royalty Earned (Based on data received from NRDC through Personal Communication)

 

  

Fig 2: Patent Filed by NRDC

Source: Based on data received from NRDC through Personal communication

 

  

Fig 3:  Total number of Technologies Transferred to NRDC

Source: NRDC–Personal communication

 

 

Fig 4a:  Total no of technologies transferred to NRDC during 2003-04 to 2007-08 by various organisations (Based on information received from NRDC)

 

 

Fig 4b: No. of technologies received (without technology duplication over the years) from various sources during 2003-04 to 2007-08 (Based on information received from NRDC)

 

 

NRDC Case Studies across Disciplines:

 

 

Case Study 1: Disposable Blood Bag Technology

 

Disposable Bio-Medical plastic bags for collection, storage, transportation and transfusion of blood & blood components. The technology provides a hygienic way by eliminating exhaustive cleaning, rinsing, autoclaving and breakage problems. All manufacturing operations are in conformity to GMP. Bags are available as single, double or triple transfer bags. Product has been accepted internationally and exported to Africa, South-East Asia and Europe.

Technology Development:   It was developed by Sri Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram at an estimated expenditure of Rs. 0.2 m funded by NRDC during 1977-78 and assigned to NRDC for Commercialisation during 1980.

 

Technology Transfer by NRDC: The first licensee was Peninsula Polymers Ltd., Thiruvananthapuram in 1983. There was 25% Equity participation each by NRDC and KSIDC. Technology transfer involved Rs. 0.3 m as fee and 3% Royalty for 10 years on non-exclusive mode in 1983. Agreement required Research Institute to provide technical support.

 

Commercialisation:  Commissioned in 1986 with production established in 1987-88. Product introduced in the market at Rs. 10 a bag compared to Rs. 30 a bag of Japanese origin. There were initial snags in the technology. Commercialisation faced problems when Japanese dumped the market with bags at Rs. 8. NRDC arranged anti-dumping duty by presenting international data to the Government. The licensee started marketing the product successfully. Performance wise it was a great success. Since 1987 it has been an excellent export to other countries including Europe.

As a second licensee, technology was transferred to M/s Hindustan Latex Ltd in 1991.The licensee paid Rs. 1.65 m as fee and 3 % royalty for 10 years on non-exclusive mode. The plant was completed in 3 years and since then has been exporting. During 1994, two other licensees were J Mitra & Company and Electro- medical and Allied Industries. Each paid Rs. 4.5 m as fee and 3 % royalty for 10 years on non-exclusive mode to both companies.

Returns to NRDC:      

  • Lump-sum Premium Rs 13.15m
  • Royalty Rs. 35.0 m
  • Return on disinvestment of equity share Rs. 8.925 m
  • NRDC Equity on PPI Rs. 4.375 m


 

 

Case Study 2: Lipoosomal Amphotericin-b

 

Amphotericin B is a Polyene Macrolide Antibiotic obtained from Streptomyces sp. which has been in existence for over 3 decades and is known to be one of the most potent Anti-fungal agents. The use of Amphotericin-B, however, has been limited to topical application mainly because of its severe nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, toxicity to central nervous system and to the bone marrow. FUNGISOME TM, India’s first Liposomal Amphoterician B- the new technology using liposome as a carrier and delivery system for Amphotericin B is highly effective and less toxic as it can carry the drug at the specific site and is required in much lower concentration

Technology Development:   Prof. B.K.  Bachhawat, Department of Bio-chemistry, Delhi University initiated the work to develop and to make an affordable substitute of AmBisome - a US Product. The research work was sponsored by Department of Biotechnology. Soon after the formulation development was completed proving the efficacy and substantiated pre-clinical work, the results were transferred to Seth GS Medical College and KEM hospital, Mumbai for clinical evaluation. Dr. Neelima Kshirsagar played a major role in the clinical evaluation of the process at Seth GS Medical College. KEM along with other prominent hospitals of Mumbai carried out clinical trails for treatment of this drug for serious and invasive systemic fungal infection.

The clinical trials for kala-Azar were carried out by a team of specialists comprising Dr. C.P. Thakur, the former Union Minister of Health along with others. After the clinical trials were successfully completed the technology was formally handed over to NRDC by DBT for licensing and commercialization.

Technology Transfer: Commercialization of technology failed to take off by first licensee M/s Ace Diagnostics and Biotech Ltd. However, the same became a huge success when subsequently licensed to M/s Lifecare Innovations. The technology was licensed to the company in 1999 with license fee 25 lakh and royalty of 3% for 10 years to commercialize and further improve the formulation to overcome the doses related toxicities of Amphotericin-B as compared to the imported lipid formulations such as AmBisome, Ampholip (Abelcet) and Amphocil (Amphotek). Further R&D at Lifecare Innovations led to the commercialization which was supported by Department of Scientific and Industrial Research through Program Aimed at Technological Self Reliance (PASTER scheme).Today as claimed by Lifecare Innovations Pvt. Ltd. Fungisome is the least toxic drug available in the country in its category.Also, unlike the imported drug , Fungisome comes in various doses thereby reducing wastage and cost,This drug is less than one-tenth the cost of the imported equivalent .

The Product- Liposomal Amphotericin B is marketed by M/s. Lifecare Innovations Pvt. Ltd. as “FUNGISOME”.

“FUNGISOME” contains cholesterols essential for minimizing toxicity of Amphotericin B to a safe level. It converts into several small unicellular liposomes thereby substantially increases the therapeutic index. “FUNGISOME” requires sonication for application which enhances the therapeutic index of the drug. Drug administration is done in one hour.

Application- Liposomal Amphotericin B

(The “FUNGISOME”) is used for the treatment of Systemic Mycosis and Kala Azar.  Serious and invasive Systemic Mycosis frequently occurs in patients of Organ transplants, Dialysis and those undergoing Radio therapy/chemotherapy for Cancer, AIDS etc. “FUNGISOME” is also used for the treatment of the victims of serious burn injuries.

The successful commercialization of know-how depends on the long-term association between the Licensee & the Licensor. It also depends on supports provided to the licensee during the post-licensing period. Therefore, the relationship building between the technology transfer organization and licensee is extremely important for success. This is particularly important for the early stage companies. The commercialization of Liposomal Amphotericin-B process is an example of such relationship. The success of Liposomal Amphotericin B is a true example of a public-private partnership where each of the partners has played their role successfully and meaningfully. As a result, the product/technology on which the industries were initially apprehensive has become a major success.

 

 

Case Study 3:  20 HP Tractors

 

Development of a 20 HP Tractor with an easier utilization of implements, high field efficiency , ideal for deep ploughing, trouble free performance, lesser consumption of diesel and ability to pull heavy loads over steep gradients

The Development – The technology was developed by a CSIR laboratory - Central Mechanical Engineering Institute (CMERI), Durgapur. It has 20 H.P. two cylinder engine (2000 RPM); single lever automatic depth-cum-draft control hydraulic system; universal three point linkage; front & rear wheel tracts-variable to cater to crop pattern; Power Take Off (PTO). Design is patented in India and abroad (7 countries). It is suitable for small farm holding.

Commercialization: It was commercialized by NRDC. Licensed to M/s Punjab Tractors Ltd. (PTL) in December, 1972. An amount of Rs. 245.48 lakhs received as premium and royalty.

Present Status - 20 HP Tractors: Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) acquired 43.3% stake in PTL from Actis group & Burman family at a price of Rs. 360 per share. M&M invested Rs. 9000 m. Presently PTL is valued at over Rs. 20000 m. During 2005-06, turnover by PTL was Rs. 10,245m and profit after tax was worth Rs. 1293.4 m.

 

 

 Case Study 4: Vaccine against Peste des petits Ruminants (PPR)

 

There was no vaccine available in India or elsewhere for protection of animals against lineage 4 virus infection. The only option was to use the attenuated tissue culture rinderpest (TCRP) virus vaccine or vaccine developed by Diallo et al. (1989) in France using lineage-I PPR virus. There were some drawbacks in using those vaccines. Therefore an attempt was made to develop a live-attenuated homologous vaccine from an Indian strain of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus, which would protect the animals in India against PPR virus currently prevalent in India.

Technology Development: National Rinderpest Control Program was launched by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) during 1996. Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar was funded to undertake the research and develop the vaccine. The technology relates to development of vaccine against Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) using a lineage 4 virus isolated in India. Introduction of wild virus (goat derived virus) in unnatural hosts (Vero cells) results in attenuation of the virus. This virus has ability to induce protection against specific disease without causing any pathogenicity. Keeping this scientific basis/fact in mind invention led to a great success in development of PPR vaccine and protection against PPR in sheep and goat population.

The developed vaccine was tried on animals at laboratory level and then at state level. The technology was transferred to NRDC for commercialization. However, the developed technology required further development for industrial use.

Value addition by NRDC: NRDC worked towards -- exact identification of strain, basic engineering and data generation for the up-scalement of the plant.

Commercialization of Vaccine: Technology was successfully commercialized by NRDC to two leading vaccine manufacturing companies of India, Indian Immunological Ltd (IIL), Hyderabad and Intervet Ltd, Pune. NRDC agreement with IIL was signed during 2004. Rs. 2.5 million was received as licensee fee (70% share for IVRI) with a royalty at 3% for 10 years.

IVRI at its Mukteswar and Izatnagar campuses has annual sale of about Rs. 10 million since 2005/06. Indian Immunological has sold vaccines worth more than Rs. 2 crores. Intervet has also scaled up the vaccine production process.

Advantages of Vaccine technology: The technology provides easy and convenient methods for vaccine quality control using B95a cell line. The vaccine produced is potent, cost-effective and more convenient for field application. Vaccine immunity is long lasting. It will not interfere with Rinderpest eradication campaign

The technology developed is mainly for the developing countries as the technology does not require very high degree of expertise and sophisticated infrastructure. Both these are affordable to developing countries. Goat and sheep husbandry practices are common to developing countries as goat is popularly called poor man’s cow in India. This is the only vaccine lineage of virus acceptable in entire Asian region and Middle East countries.

By employing the developed PPR vaccine the disease can be controlled in 200 million small ruminant populations in the country. This will in turn increase the production of small ruminants and profitability, especially in case of small and marginal farmers. Control of the disease will also help increase trade of small ruminants. The country can also benefit by exporting the vaccine to neighboring Asian Countries where viruses of similar genetic make up (Asian Lineage) are known to circulate.

 

 

Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL)

BCIL was incorporated as a public limited company in 1990 under the Indian Companies Act 1956. It is promoted by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India and financed by the All India Financial Institutions including IDBI, ICICI, IFCI, UTI and IFCI Venture Capital Funds Limited (formerly RCTC) and the corporate sector including Ranbaxy Laboratories, Glaxo India, Cadila Laboratories, Lupin Laboratories, Kothari Sugars and Chemicals, Rallis India, SPIC, Madras Refineries, Zuari Agro, EID Parry, ACC and Excel Industries.

BCIL has been actively involved in technology transfer, project consultancy, fund syndication, information dissemination, and manpower training & placement related to biotechnology over the last one and a half decades. BCIL acts as an interface between technology sources and technology seekers both within and outside the country. By virtue of the network of national and international linkages established by BCIL, it assists in technology sourcing, marketing tie-ups and identification of joint venture partners.

 

Technology Transfer Mechanism: To facilitate the transfer of indigenous technologies, Biotech Consortium India Limited (BCIL) undertakes a methodical stepwise approach consisting of: screening for leads, evaluation, validation, scaling-up, packaging, technology pricing, entrepreneur selection, technology transfer, monitoring, support and consultancy.

There are number of technologies available and many of them have already been transferred to industries [www.bcil.nic.in/technology_transfer.htm]. The role of BCIL does not end after the transfer of technology to the industry. BCIL makes full efforts in the successful commercialization of the technology by the licensee and continues to be a link between the technology transferee and the technology recipient.

 

 

 Post Transfer Role of BCIL

 

The licensee made improvements in the technology and took the product into second phase of clinical trials. All the related processes were carried out in consultation with the scientists at JNU, in lines with the provisions of the bipartite agreement signed with the BCIL. The licensee now wanted to explore a foreign market for the product but faced two critical issues. The licensee found it difficult to offer the product at a competitive price with the committed royalty. Also, the original license agreement did not provide for sub-licensing of the technology.


Note: *JNU: Jawaharlal Nehru University, *MoA: Memorandum of Agreement

Source: http://www.bcil.nic.in/methodology.htm (03 June 2008 Technology Transfer.ppt)

 

 

Technology Transfer by CSIR

Till 1986 CSIR depended on NRDC for its marketing of know-how. The very concept of an exclusive company to market CSIR technology was outmoded by Abid Hussain Committee and CSIR laboratories became free to license and commercialise technologies through whatever source they choose to.

A) Mechanism of Technology Transfer:

a) Intellectual Property: Intellectual Property (IP) includes patents, copyright, registered design, trademark, know-how for the process/product/design and computer software.

IP generated by CSIR is of two types:

i) Unencumbered:

 

In such cases licensing of IP by CSIR would be in accordance with the terms and conditions agreed upon with respect to third party licensing with the client.

 

ii) Encumbered:

It is developed through contract research i.e. with total or partial financial support, and with/without technical inputs from users/clients. In such cases ownership and licensing of IP for commercial utilization shall be governed by CSIR’s obligation to the client in the matter.

 

b) Licensing of Intellectual Property: It means granting the licensee the right to utilize the IP and to make, sell or use the resulting product(s) either for commercial /captive purpose or as otherwise agreed to.

i) Methods of Licensing:

Licensing of IP through formal means is through specific contractual arrangements. For transfer of IP through only one time demonstration or supply of only drawings, reports, software etc. licensing can be done through implied contractual agreement with no liabilities on CSIR.

ii) Channels of Licensing and associated ownership rights:

Laboratories are free to choose the channel of licensing/commercial utilization of all unencumbered IP generated. The channel could be either directly by the laboratory themselves, or through National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) or through any other Technology Transfer Agency (TTA).

 

  B) Technology Transfer by CSIR laboratories: A few laboratory cases

a) Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI): The mission of the CSMCRI is to work in partnership with visionary sponsors and collaborators to generate the knowledge and innovations required for efficient utilization of our coastal wasteland, sea water, marine algae, solar power and silicates. The Institute also harnesses its capabilities in biosciences, chemical transformation, process engineering, environmental monitoring, separation science and analysis to address focused needs of industries and organizations in the region and beyond.

Salt and Marine Chemicals discipline is the parent discipline of the Institute. The activity of this discipline is centred around the improvement in quality and yield of salt recovered from marine, sub-soil and Inland brines and development of processes for the recovery of valuable marine chemicals like potash and magnesium chemicals by the downstream processing of bittern. A number of innovative routes have been developed and patented for the recovery of different types of salt for its varied applications. The discipline is in a position to offer competitive technologies for the production of world-class salt integrated with the recovery of valuable marine chemicals like Bromine, Low sodium salt, Muriate of Potash (MOP), Sulphate of Potash (SOP), and high purity Magnesium chemicals [www.csmcri.org]. The laboratory has taken up collaborative projects with Salt Department, Govt. of India; Industries Department, Govt. of Rajasthan; Department of Handicrafts & cottage Industries, Govt. of Orissa; Industries Commissionerate, Govt. of Gujarat, Rural Technology Institute and NGOs like SEWA, ANANDI etc.

Analytical Sciences Division of the Institute provides analytical services and intellectual inputs to outside users as well comprising industries, academic institutions, universities and research institutions on payment basis. The institute has a mandate apart from begetting patents and licensing technologies to various industries, for providing technological solutions for the societal problems of marginalized and workers in the unorganised sector. Role of laboratory has been illustrated through a case (Inbox). 

Technology transfer in terms of marketing and business development is being enhanced through Personal contact, Advertisement, Participation in trade fairs, Collaborating with financial institutions such as GSFC etc. and Interaction with Govt. agencies for identifying projects of socio-economic importance.

Tables 1 & 2 below show increase in number of patents received by CSMCRI with a remarkable increase in earnings through Intellectual services:

 

Table 1:  No. of Patents Granted

Year

No. of patents granted abroad

No. of patents granted in India

2002-2003

1

1

2003-2004

1

3

2004-2005

14

4

2005-2006

10

3

 

 

Table 2: Know-how transfer earnings

Year

Intellectual Know-how Earnings (Rs. in Lakhs)

Technical

Assistance (TAP)

Premium

and Royalty

Analytical

Charges

Consultancy

Total Intellectual Earnings

2000-01

3.1

10.25

4.26

17.04

34.65

2001-02

8.66

1.61

2.86

25.23

38.36

2002-03

0.58

4.6

19.99

28.53

53.70

2003-04

1.63

27.47

3.94

23.8

56.84

2004-05

4.21

14.25

5.21

32.78

56.45

2005-06

8.69

5.85

3.42

50.28

68.24

 

Source: http://www.csmcri.org/Documents/Biennial_04-06.pdf

   http://www.csmcri.org/Documents/Biennial%20Report%202004.pdf

   http://www.csmcri.org/Documents/Biennial%20Report.pdf

 

 

 

Processes Development for the Recovery of High purity Salt by Rural Salt Producers

 

In Gujarat the industrial requirement of salt is for Grade I category (99.5% sodium chloride) where as the availability from the local producers was of Grade II category salt (98.5% sodium chloride). Demand for the quality improvement appeared from the end users (industry) side. Quality and yield improvement need at salt producers end was realized by NGOs working with agarias, for their economic gain. State and central government departments were approached by NGOs and regional national laboratory (Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute, CSMCRI) was involved in finding the technological solution to the problems being faced in the sector. Intervention of CSMCRI’s technologies led to quality salt production, which is globally comparable. For their contribution in this regard, CSMCRI has recently been conferred with CSIR Award for S&T Innovations for Rural Development – 2008

Processes Development by CSMCRI: The basic principals followed in technology development were - the brine refinement and brine management. The laboratory developed two methods for production of superior salt (Grade I category) from sub-soil/sea brines integrated with the recovery of valuable marine chemicals:

An innovative process, de-sulphanation of brine technology developed to produce superior quality in the field from sub-soil/sea brine using the distiller waste liquor of soda ash plants resulted in production of salt containing > 99.5% NaCl. The bittern left after the recovery of salt is processed for the recovery of value added products like potash and magnesium chemicals. The process utilizes the distiller waste liquor produced in profuse quantities and mitigates the problem of effluent discharge with obvious environmental gains. The process dovetails well with soda ash production and is more beneficial to those industries which produce salt and soda ash in the same premises. The technology was successfully demonstrated in the remote areas of Gujarat state.

Regional Diffusion Of Technology: The technology developed by CSMCRI was successfully implemented at the marginal salt works in Little Rann of Kutch (LRK) in Gujarat with the help of an NGO named SEWA. The program was undertaken under Department of Industries, ‘Cluster Development Program’. Salt production technology was demonstrated to grass root salt producers (agarias) by setting up two Model salt farms during 2002-04. By using the technology, marginal salt producers were able to produce high quality industrial grade salt, being marketed to the leading Chlor-alkali industries at a premium price. Income of agarias increased many folds (sale price increased from Rs. 20-40/- per ton to Rs. 250/- per ton). The bittern was further processed to recover marine chemicals like Muriate of Potassium (MoP), which became a source of additional income

Another innovative route changing salt crystal morphology technology has been developed for the recovery of very high purity solar salt with improved whiteness in the field. The process is based on the modification of the salt crystal morphology in such a way that the impurities in brine do not act as a nucleus during salt crystallization process. The heap washed salt analyzed contained NaCl>99.5% and Ca<0.08%, Mg<0.05%, SO4< 0.2%.

The technology was successfully demonstrated and disseminated at the grass root level to marginal agarias at Maliya in Gujarat. Agarias now produce world class quality salt and market it to the user industries at a premium price. The Program was undertaken along with ANANDI, a local NGO with the financial support from the Industries department, Govt. of Gujarat.

Source: Personal Communication with CSMCRI

 

 

b) Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT):  The Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) is a CSIR laboratory with the mandate of providing R&D services on economic bioresources in western Himalayan region leading to value added plants, products process for industrial, societal & environmental benefit. The laboratory has developed several technologies and transferred them to commercial users [www.ihbt.res.in/business.htm] The laboratory has developed Mini essential oil distillation apparatus, Sterile Portable Laminar flow cabinet (extremely useful), RNA isolation kit etc. and all have gone into commercialisation. In the past few years, the laboratory has earned nearly 25 lakhs as license fee through its technologies and they have been commercialised. In almost all cases, the association of the laboratory and the licensee has lasted from three months to years; a very important factor for the successful commercialisation of transferred technology.

The role of the laboratory like other CSIR laboratories, towards societal development of local population in the unorganised activities, by improvising the technologies being used by them or providing employment opportunities etc. is very good. This fact is being elaborated through the following box case: how during a Department of Biotechnology sponsored project on developing plant tissue culture protocols for floriculture crops, employment for the local rural women was generated.

 

 

 

Rural women of Himachal Pradesh towards Entrepreneurship through Biotechnological application

 

The Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) with the help of Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India has launched an ambitious programme to train women in tissue culture methods. This is a unique approach enabling rural women to establish small tissue culture units.

Himachal Pradesh offers unique opportunities to develop cut flower trade and in the past few years, quite a few growers have taken to commercial growing of flowers. Every year, germplasm worth crores of rupees is being imported from Holland. There are several trades which can be started at cottage levels in the region and their initiation into production of good quality and high value floriculture crops is a step in the economic emancipation of women. IHBT has already successfully demonstrated the beneficial use of adopting tissue culture raised plantlets (TCPs) in the field and has made the farmers harden the TCPs themselves in their own fields under the supervision of IHBT scientists. This has resulted in great excitement among, both, men and women.

Process of technology Transfer: In the beginning, the women were invited to IHBT to apprise them of the tissue culture methodology in very simple language without unnecessarily bothering them with the intricacies involved. Due emphasis was laid on the practical aspects which were demonstrated repeatedly. Thereafter, they were trained in the hardening aspects as well and were provided live cultures of Cymbidium (and sub-culture) at regular intervals, which they multiply. The Chinmaya Trust, Tapovan and the society for Environment and Rural Awakening (ERA), Khundian supported the efforts. A mobile laboratory fitted with a custom designed laminar flow was pressed into service to facilitate the culture work and monthly visits by the scientists to these centres provided the necessary momentum. Later on, realizing the difficulties encountered during incubation at their own homes, two tissue culture units each with a laminar flow cabinet, culture racks and portable bucket type autoclaves have been established so to the facilitate their efforts. Later, fast growing species like lilies were also included so that they do not get discouraged and start making money themselves.

Women are in a position to supply the culture vessels containing the plantlets as prescribed by IHBT and growers who are hardening these thereby, completing the chain from production to utilization to technology adoption and supervision

Mechanism involved: A tripartite arrangement has been worked out where IHBT is a nodal agency for providing the necessary inputs and training and NGOs work as the implementing agencies by involving rural women and Kangra Floriculture and Floriculture and Horticulture Growers Federation ensures marketing of their produce. With such arrangement, exotic orchids and other ornaments can be introduced in Delhi and Chandigarh markets as a novelty item.

Source: IHBT

 

 

 

Acknowledgements: Cooperation of NRDC in sharing the detailed desired information is highly acknowledged. We are thankful to CSMCRI and IHBT also in extending their cooperation in completing our task. Support of Ms. Nitu Singh in NISTADS needs a special mention.

 

 

 

 

 

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