NIF has a large database of over 315,000 technological ideas, innovations and traditional knowledge, including proprietary, open source and common public knowledge. While the percentage of proprietary traditional knowledge (individual or community) and innovations where NIF has filed patents in the names of the individuals or communities is quite low, much knowledge is available (common or open source), which can be disseminated without any IP considerations. Social diffusion may be defined in context of physical introduction of innovation (machinery, herbal products or improved plant variety seeds) in relevant areas among identified beneficiaries either directly or through a partner.
The Dissemination and Social Diffusion (DSD) department works in close coordination with the S&D, VARD and BD departments. The specific tasks undertaken to further dissemination activities include coordination of publication activities of NIF online as well as in print and developing content for newsletters, books, compendiums, posters, CDs, kiosks, websites etc. NIF also participates in workshops, seminars, exhibitions and various events like India International Trade Fair, Indian Science Congress, India International Science Fair, etc. for the purpose. It also facilitates demonstration of technologies for their possible uptake by relevant stake holders. Establishing linkages with other institutions and networks for dissemination and/or social diffusion is also one of the important activities of NIF.
Such activities are being actively taken up all across the country particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, the North Eastern States and in other remote/ backward/ tribal regions.
NIF team undertakes activities related to diffusion of grassroots innovations all across the country with special emphasis in tribal, backward and far flung areas of the country. A large number of useful innovations viz. natural water cooler, coconut tree climber, multi-tree climber, hand operated pump, paddy husk stove, multipurpose tool, head load reducing device, mileage enhancer, bicycle hoe cum spade, fruit nipper, cow dung pot making machine, cow dung log making machine, seed cum fertiliser dibbler, egg incubator, multi-purpose drier among others have been diffused across a large number of states and Union Territories including Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. Many innovations are fabricated locally so that people can improvise them to suit local conditions. Innovations like Sanitary Napkin Making Machine, Multi- purpose Processing Machine, Incense Stick Making Machine, Incense Stick Rolling Machine, which provide livelihood opportunities were diffused across many states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya.
NIF has also facilitated the diffusion of a large number of farmers' developed improved crop varieties viz. paddy, wheat, pigeon pea, mustard, carrot, apple, mango, brinjal, cauliflower, onion and others through a network of thousands of farmers across the country.








In the last five years NIF has facilitated transplantation of about 20,000 saplings of HRMN 99 apple variety (suitable for plains, tropical and subtropical areas) of Shri Hariman Sharma, Himachal Pradesh at over 1500 farmers' field and 25 organizations in 30 states including at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. Fruiting has been observed in 23 states including Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Karnataka, Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar.





Control of tick infestation by pooling best traditional knowledge based practices - Providing low cost solution to livestock keepers for their economic benefit
Tick is one of the major problems affecting livestock. Standardized composition of neem (Azadirachta indica) and monks pepper (Vitex negundo) had demonstrated 100 per cent acaricide property within 48 hours of treatment. Re-infestation was not noticed for a period of 29 days post treatment. A nationwide campaign was mounted to provide this low cost technology to the people and demonstrations were organized in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Haryana. More areas are being covered.


Farmers' field schools on Traditional Knowledge Based Insect-Pest Management: In order to reduce the burden of chemicals in agriculture, training of farmers to use locally available bio-resources for insect-pest management in different crops is organized in different states of the country. In one such recent series of field schools across different districts of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Manipur and West Bengal, one-on-one interaction with over 500 farmers was undertaken. The farmers were made aware of the various plants locally available that can be used in preparing herbal formulations for control of different pests.








Many innovations available with NIF may not have the potential of widespread commercialization but can enhance social wealth, improve people's lifestyles and facilitate sustainable alternatives for development. Many such technologies are called open source technologies, which anybody can adopt as per his/her need without any payment. In many cases, innovators have also generously declared their innovations open source so that society at large can benefit from them. NIF operationalised Grassroots Technological Innovations Acquisition Fund (GTIAF) wherein it acquires the rights of useful grassroots technologies from innovators after paying an upfront fee and disseminate/diffuse it at low cost or no cost to other innovators, fabricators, farmers or entrepreneurs across the country for societal good.
Visit the GTIAF webpage here
S. No. |
Name of innovator/ organisation |
Dissemination and Social Diffusion Projects |
Financial Year |
Duration |
1 |
North-Eastern Hill University (Central University) |
Dissemination of Nine Farmers’ Varieties of Different Crops Identified by NIF-India in Meghalaya for Societal Development |
2020-21 |
Two Years |
2 |
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, J&K |
Evaluation and Popularisation of NIF-India identified eleven high yielding farmers’ varieties of different crops in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir |
2020-21 |
Two Years |
3 |
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, (CENDECT) Theni, Tamil Nadu |
Dissemination of the grassroots innovations (Fruits and Vegetable Capper, Fruits Nipper, Portable Energy Efficient Wood Stove, Tamarind de-seeder Machine, Efficient stove using paddy husk as a fuel) for the upliftment of socio-economically weaker section of Theni districts |
2020-21 |
One Year |
4 |
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Sultanpur-I, Sultanpur distt., Uttar Pradesh |
Dissemination of Grassroots Technological Innovations (9 plant variety and Sugarcane Budchipper) and Outstanding Herbal Practices in the field of Agriculture and Veterinary in Sultanpur Area of Uttar Pradesh |
2019-20 |
One Year |
5 |
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, (CENDECT), Theni, Tamil Nadu |
Dissemination of farmer’s varieties (onion- Sona 40, Brinjal- HZKB-1, Guava- G-Vilas Pasand) under Tamil Nadu conditions. |
2019-20 |
One Year |
6 |
Darjeeling Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kalimpong, |
Organisation of State Level Innovative Farmers Meet at Kalimpong, West Bengal |
2018-19 |
One Year |
7 |
Grambharti Vidyapeeth, Gandhinagar |
Gramshala – Promotion of ITK based practices for organic farming and imparting training to farmers and students |
2018-19 |
One Year |
8 |
Innovator Sheikh Afzal’s SA enterprises, Maharashtra |
Sanitary napkin making machines (2), raw materials and transportation in Nagaland |
2018-19 |
One year |
9 |
Innovator Arvindbhai Patel’s Notion Technocrat, Gujarat |
Natural Water Cooler in Tribal/ Backward Areas – Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal |
2018-19 |
One year |
10 |
Innovator Arvindbhai Patel’s Notion Technocrat, Gujarat |
Natural Water Cooler in North Bengal and South Sikkim |
2018-19 |
One year |
11 |
Department of Science, Technology and Climate Change, Sikkim/ Innovator Seikh Afzal, SA Enterprises |
Diffusion of rural egg incubators (4) in Sikkim |
2018-19 |
One year |
12 |
Department of Science, Technology and Climate Change, Sikkim/ Innovator Seikh Afzal, SA Enterprises |
Sanitary napkin making machines (4), raw materials and transportation in Sikkim |
2018-19 |
One year |
13 |
State Council of Science, Technology and Environment, Meghalaya/ Innovator G Ratnakar |
Installation of water turbines (3) in Meghalaya |
2018-19 |
One year |
14 |
Innovator Sheikh Afzal’s SA enterprises, Maharashtra |
Sanitary napkin making machine, raw materials and transportation in Chhattisgarh |
2018-19 |
One year |
15 |
Sarjan Innovations |
Diffusion of Swatchta Cart in Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha |
2018-19 |
One year |
16 |
Innovator Paresh Panchal’s firm – Dolphin Engimech, Gujarat |
Incense stick machines for Odisha and Jharkhand |
2018-19 |
One year |
17 |
Innovator Paresh Panchal’s firm – Dolphin Engimech, Gujarat |
Diffusion of cow dung pot making machines in Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha |
2018-19 |
One year |
18 |
Innovator DN Venkat’s RTechAgri |
Diffusion of Multi - Tree climbers |
2018-19 |
One year |
19 |
Innovator Nripen Kalita, Assam |
Diffusion of Portable Muga and Eri Reeling Machine |
2018-19 |
One year |
20 |
Innovator Madhav Mahajan, Maharashtra |
Diffusion of fruit nipper |
2018-19 |
One year |
21 |
Innovator Manihar Sharma, Manipur |
Diffusion of solar multi muga silk reeling machine |
2018-19 |
One year |
22 |
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (CIFA), Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, |
Organisation of State Level Innovative Farmers Meet at CIFA, Bhubaneshwar |
2017-18 |
One Year |
23 |
Bhartya KVK, Fatehpur (Sikar), Rajasthan |
Organisation of State Level Innovative Farmers Meet at Sikar, Rajasthan |
2017-18 |
One Year |
24 |
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, (CENDECT), Theni, Tamil Nadu |
Organisation of State Level Innovative Farmers Meet at Theni, Tamil Nadu |
2017-18 |
One Year |
25 |
Innovator Mohd Rafiq, J&K |
Dissemination of multipurpose tool |
2017-18 |
One Year |
26 |
Fabricator Jignesh Rehab |
Dissemination of head load reducing device |
2017-18 |
One year |
27 |
Innovator’s firm Francis MJ, Kerala |
Tree climbers for diffusion in Andaman and Nicobar |
2017-18 |
Six Months |
28 |
Innovator Milan Jyoti Das, Assam |
Egg Incubator and Multipurpose drier for Arunachal Pradesh |
2017-18 |
Six Months |
29 |
Innovator Paresh Panchal’s firm – Dolphin Engimech, Gujarat |
Incense stick machines for Dasna Prison |
2017-18 |
One Year |
30 |
Palle Srujuna, Secunderabad |
For Science Express activity |
2017-18 |
Six Months |
31 |
Innovator Paresh Panchal’s firm – Dolphin Engimech, Gujarat |
Incense stick machines for NE |
2017-18 |
One Year |
32 |
Innovator Bhabesh Das, Assam |
Fabrication of innovations for NER |
2017-18 |
Six Months |
33 |
SRISTI Innovations, Gujarat |
Diffusion of herbal products in NER |
2017-18 |
One Year |
34 |
Palle Srujuna, Telangana |
Innovation Diffusion Centre |
2017-18 |
One Year |
35 |
Innovator Kissan Dharambir, Haryana |
Multipurpose Processing machines in NE |
2017-18 |
One Year |
36 |
Innovator Sheikh Afzal’s SA enterprises, Maharashtra |
Sanitary napkin making machine, raw materials and transportation in NER |
2017-18 |
One Year |
37 |
Innovator Sheikh Afzal’s SA enterprises, Maharashtra |
Sanitary napkin making machine, raw materials and transportation in Eastern India |
2017-18 |
One Year |
38 |
Social Upliftment Trust, Jharkhand |
Diffusion activities in Jharkhand |
2017-18 |
One Year |
39 |
State Council of Science, Technology and Environment, Meghalaya |
Diffusion of veterinary practices |
2017-18 |
One Year |
40 |
Innovator M Deben Singh, Manipur |
Stove cum drier |
2017-18 |
Three Months |
41 |
Innovator L Ralte, Mizoram |
Arecanut Polisher |
2017-18 |
One Year |
42 |
Innovator Milanjyoti Das, Assam |
2-in-1 drier cum egg incubator machine |
2017-18 |
Three Months |
43 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Mobile exhibition |
2017-18 |
One Year |
44 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Diffusion of plant varieties in Gujarat |
2017-18 |
One Year |
45 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Participatory design of innovations |
2017-18 |
One Year |
46 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Diffusion of herbal veterinary practices in Gujarat and Maharashtra |
2017-18 |
One Year |
47 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Diffusion of Innovations in Gujarat and Maharashtra |
2017-18 |
One Year |
48 |
NIF Cell J&K |
Diffusion of innovations |
2017-18 |
One Year |
49 |
Sarjan Innovations, Gujarat |
Waste picker machine |
2017-18 |
One Year |
50 |
Innovator Mansukhbhai’s Mitticool Clay Creation, Gujarat |
Innovative Clay products for Meghalaya |
2017-18 |
Six Months |
51 |
Innovator Kissan Dharambir, Haryana |
Multipurpose Processing machine in A&N |
2017-18 |
One Year |
52 |
Innovator Kissan Dharambir, Haryana |
Multipurpose Processing machines in Meghalaya |
2017-18 |
One Year |
53 |
Innovator DN Venkat’s RTechAgri |
Tree climbers for Andaman and Nicobar |
2017-18 |
One Year |
54 |
State Council of Science, Technology and Environment, Meghalaya |
Capacity building of potters |
2017-18 |
One Year |
55 |
Innovator Sheikh Afzal’s SA enterprises, Maharashtra |
Sanitary napkin machines for Andaman and Majuli, Assam |
2017-18 |
One Year |
56 |
Innovator Arvindbhai Patel’s Notion Technocrat, Gujarat |
Natural Water Cooler in Meghalaya |
2017-18 |
One Year |
57 |
Innovator M Manihar Sharma, Manipur |
Diffusion of solar silk reeler in Meghalaya |
2017-18 |
One Year |
58 |
Innovator Milanjyoti Das, Assam |
Diffusion of egg incubators in Meghalaya |
2017-18 |
One Year |
59 |
Innovator Paresh Panchal’s Bonobo Innovative Products |
Diffusion of pot making machines in Meghalaya |
2017-18 |
One Year |
60 |
Innovator Paresh Panchal’s Dolphin Enigmatic |
Diffusion of incense making machines in Meghalaya |
2017-18 |
One Year |
61 |
Innovator Sheikh Afzal’s SA enterprises, Maharashtra |
Diffusion of Sanitary napkin machines for Meghalaya |
2017-18 |
One Year |
62 |
Innovator Sheikh Afzal’s SA enterprises, Maharashtra |
Raw material for Sanitary napkin machines for Meghalaya |
2017-18 |
One Year |
63 |
Innovator DN Venkat’s RTech Agri |
Tree climbers for North East |
2017-18 |
Six Months |
64 |
Innovator’s firm Francis MJ, Kerala |
Tree climbers for diffusion in North East |
2017-18 |
Six Months |
65 |
Innovator Hari Narayan Prajapati, Rajasthan |
Mileage enhancer device for North East |
2017-18 |
Six Months |
66 |
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Davangere, Karnataka |
Organisation of State Level Innovative Farmers Meet at Davangere Karnataka |
2016-17 |
One Year |
67 |
Innovator Arvindbhai Patel’s Notion Technocrat, Gujarat |
Natural Water Cooler in Odisha and Chhattisgarh |
2016-17 |
One Year |
68 |
Innovator Paresh Panchal’s firm – Dolphin Engimech, Gujarat |
Incense stick machines in Odisha and Chhattisgarh |
2016-17 |
One Year |
69 |
SEVA, Madurai |
Diffusion of Innovations along Shodh Yatra route |
2016-17 |
One Year |
70 |
Innovator Kissan Dharambir, Haryana |
Multipurpose Processing machine in Sikkim |
2016-17 |
Six Months |
71 |
Innovator Lalbikzuala Ralte |
Bamboo stick making machines for NE |
2016-17 |
One Year |
72 |
Innovator Arvindbhai Patel’s Notion Technocrat, Gujarat |
Natural Water Cooler in NER |
2016-17 |
One Year |
73 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Diffusion of BIBA Shelling machine in Maharashtra – first installment |
2015-16 |
One Year |
74 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Capacity building of Dhanuka Community |
2015-16 |
One Year |
75 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Diffusion of herbal veterinary practices |
2015-16 |
One Year |
76 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Diffusion of herbal practices |
2015-16 |
One Year |
77 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Diffusion of cotton wick making machine in UP & Gujarat |
||
78 |
Innovators Vijaybhai and Dipakbhai, Gujarat |
Diffusion of cotton wick making machine in Pilibhit |
2015-16 |
Three Months |
79 |
Innovator Arvindbhai Patel |
Natural Water cooler in Ahmedabad |
2015-16 |
Three Months |
80 |
Palle Srujuna, Telangana |
Innovation Diffusion Centre |
2015-16 |
One Year |
81 |
Palle Srujuna, Telangana |
Science Express activity in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh |
2015-16 |
Six Months |
82 |
Innovator Kissan Dharambir, Haryana |
Multipurpose Processing machine in Manipur |
2014-15 |
One Year |
83 |
Innovator Arvindbhai Patel’s Notion Technocrat, Gujarat |
Natural Water Coolers in Grambharti |
2013-14 |
One Year |
84 |
IP India Robotics, Haryana |
Mobile Operated switches |
2013-14 |
One Year |
85 |
GIAN Cell J&K, Jammu and Kashmir |
Diffusion of Grassroots Innovations |
2012-13 |
One Year |
86 |
GIAN North, Rajasthan |
Crutches with spring/shock absorbers in Rajasthan |
2012-13 |
One Year |
87 |
GIAN North, Rajasthan |
Multipurpose Processing Machine in West UP |
2012-13 |
One Year |
88 |
GIAN North, Rajasthan |
Biomass Gassifier in Rajasthan |
2012-13 |
One Year |
89 |
GIAN North, Rajasthan |
Natural Water Cooler in Rajasthan |
2012-13 |
One Year |
90 |
Innoaction India, Kerala |
Diffusion of grassroots innovations |
2012-13 |
One Year |
91 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Par boiled paddy spreader |
2012-13 |
One Year |
92 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Poultry raking machine |
2012-13 |
One Year |
93 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Low cost Windmill |
2012-13 |
One Year |
94 |
GIAN West, Gujarat |
Crutches with spring/shock absorbers |
2012-13 |
One Year |
95 |
Palle Srujuna, Telangana |
Innovation Diffusion Centre |
2012-13 |
One Year |
Expression of Interest (EOI) from Institutions/ Organisations/ Community based groups/Entrepreneurs
For facilitating dissemination and social diffusion of Grassroots Technological Innovations, Innovative Agricultural Practices and Outstanding Herbal Knowledge
National Innovation Foundation- India (NIF), an autonomous body of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, invites Expression of Interest (EOI) from Indian Institutions/ Organisations/ Community based groups/ Entrepreneurs for facilitating Dissemination and Social Diffusion of Grassroots Technological Innovations, Innovative Agricultural Practices and Outstanding Herbal Knowledge in different regions of the country. In order to penetrate deeper into the hinterlands and engage more individuals and communities at the grassroots, NIF is looking for partners across the country especially in far-flung, backward and tribal regions of the country.
Eligibility criteria
Registered Institutions/ Organisations/ Community based groups/ Entrepreneurs with an experience of science, technology, innovation based dissemination/outreach or any other activity of similar nature.
Screening Criteria
The applicant should have demonstrable competency in undertaking same/similar activities as evident through projects undertaken and credentials of core team members. The applicants with no related experience, those sharing incomplete or incorrect information, or those lacking demonstrable output, as reflected in documents shared with us, will not be considered.
Process
The interested applicants can submit their expression along with the details of relevant work done/activities undertaken. The EoI should indicate the innovation(s)* (available on NIF's website) relevant for introduction in the area of operation of institution/organisation and how the institution/organisation proposes to utilise it in its area.
*current thrust areas - livelihood generation through the promotion of herbal colours for toys and other artefacts, products from banana fibre, innovative pottery products, sola wood artefacts and cow dung/biomaterial-based products
All the EoIs will be reviewed by the external Experts/ Review Committee and those with clear objectives and deliverables will be selected. The same can be sent by e-mail to nitin@nifindia.org or by post to the address mentioned below.
Dr Nitin Maurya
Senior Innovation Officer
National Innovation Foundation - India
Amrapur, Gandhinagar-Mahudi Road
Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382650