NIRD to organise Rural Technology mela in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Feb 1 (PTI) City-based National Institute ofRural Development (NIRD) is organising a four-day RuralTechnology mela at its Rural Technology Park (RTP) here fromtomorrow.

The mela to be held from February 2-5 will provide aplatform for technology developers, users and Self Help Groupsamong others to take advantage of various technologiesavailable in different parts of the country, NIRD DirectorGeneral Mathew C Kunnumkal told reporters here.

The RTP � a centre in NIRD was established to transferappropriate Rural Technologies to the rural people, towardsachieving all round development in agriculture and ruralsectors with overall economic development.

RTP has been conducting training programmes for impartingskills in the use of technology leading to production of valueadded products, Kunnumkal said adding this year NIRD intendsto transfer technology to one lakh rural functionaries.

SHGs from over 13 states from the country areparticipating in the event and a variety of rural productsincluding handicrafts, handlooms, Khadi and Village Industriesproducts, medicinal and aromatic products would be on displayand marketing. A total of 180 stalls have been put up fortechnology developers and developing of products, he said.

"Cultural events of the mela are also being organisedwhich seek to bring a limelight on the fast disappearing folkart forms," Kunnumkal said.