Why in News?
The SUNIL Programme (Strengthening, Upscaling & Nurturing Innovations for Livelihood) on March 12, 2026, the government shared that the programme has successfully used a decentralized institutional framework to deliver technology to the grassroots level.
Core Objective and Mandate
- Purpose: To strengthen the livelihood efficiency of the EWS through technology delivery and the creation of social enterprise models.
- Target Groups: Includes small and marginal farmers, landless labourers, traditional artisans (weavers, blacksmiths, etc.), and workers in the unorganized sector.
- Former Name: It was previously known as the TARA (Technological Advancement for Rural Areas) programme.
Implementation Model: "Land-Lab-Land"
- Participatory Approach: The programme uses a "Land-Lab-Land" model, which identifies local livelihood challenges on the ground ("Land"), develops scientific solutions in the laboratory ("Lab"), and deploys them back to the community ("Land").
- Collaborative Network: It mandates a partnership between at least one Knowledge Institution (KI) (like IITs or NITs) and one Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) to balance research with community participation.
- Local Involvement: Actively engages Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) for last-mile delivery.
Key Focus Areas
- Agriculture & Farming: Precision agriculture, farm automation, and climate-resilient farming.
- Energy & Environment: Decentralized clean energy solutions, like mountain solar water heating systems and water mills.
- Essential Services: Natural resource management, drinking water, sanitation, and health & nutrition.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Eco-tourism, handicrafts, and supply chain optimization for on-farm and off-farm ventures.
Funding and Support
- Duration: Projects are typically supported for a period of 3 to 5 years.
- Eligibility: Scientists, engineers, and technologists from government or private institutions with at least 3 years of field experience in S&T interventions.
- Application Portal: Proposals are submitted online through the e-PMS Portal of the DST.
Measurable Impact
- Income Enhancement: Assessments indicate diversification of income through agri-tech, poultry, and sustainable S&T-based rural enterprises.
- Skill Development: Has significantly enhanced the technical skills and innovation capacity of rural and underserved communities, allowing them to manage technologies independently.
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