Case studies on attributes of few dairy based innovations developed at the grassroots across India

Abstract

The study was conducted to explore the specific attributes of few selected dairy based innovations developed at grassroots across India. For this particular study, the ‘case study’ method was adopted. A total of nine dairy based innovations developed at grassroots, across different parts of India were selected, purposively. The uniqueness of these innovations lie in the fact that they are based on the particular culture from which they emanate and are based on the local wisdom. This study revealed that all dairy based innovations developed by farmers were having greater utility than other available options; because these innovations were developed, keeping in view the needs of farmers. Further, these were also found to be and found sustainable, because these innovations were developed, using local materials and wisdom. The costs of all nine innovations were found to be less than other available technologies in the market. Majority of selected innovations were found to be profitable except that of “Mixed Forestry”, wherein farmers get profit after long time and after involving hard work and investments. All selected innovations were found to be compatible to needs of the local farmers. Six out of nine innovations as developed by the respondents were not commercialized, because of the inability of farmers in converting the innovations into marketable products, coupled with less demonstrability of these innovations.