Technology transfer for rural development: Scopes and problems

Abstract

Rural India faces a severe technological deficit. There is a gap between technological development and its applications in rural areas. A large number of voluntary organizations are involved in developing technologies for rural areas. However, these technologies have hardly touched the lives of rural population. Data on rural market potential shows that a population of about 250 million in rural areas exhibits a high level of market potential. This is almost 25 per cent total population of India. With such a high market potential, why have the good efforts of organizations developing technologies, devices and products for rural areas not borne any fruit? The study was set up to examine the causes and implication of slow pace of technology transfer and adoption in rural agriculture. Based on this major objective, the paper also examines the role of extension agent in technology transfer and adoption; identify factors against technology transfer and adoption. Most of the technologies being propagated in rural areas are urban-based and biased. They trickle down to rural areas. This paper comprises that rural population is not composed of subhuman beings. Their needs and aspirations are similar to those living in urban areas. Technology development should take place keeping these aspirations in view. This paper involves the rural innovations and agricultural development which constitutes the crucial aspect of rural development. Based on these, the paper therefore, concluded by recommending that provision should be made for the expansion of innovative technologies that must be economically viable, culturally compatible etc.