Context

The first official standard for a grassroots innovation has been set up for clay cooling cabinet "Mitticool".

About

Non-electric cooling cabinet:

• It has been developed by Mansukhbhai Prajapati, from Wankaner, from Gujarat.
• The IS 17693: 2022 - given to the non-electric cooling cabinet made of clay is the first standard rooted in a grassroots innovation - ‘Mitticool Refrigerator’.
• The standard set up by the Bureau of India Standards is necessary after a particular stage for scaling up and entering the cross-border markets.
• The standard specifies the construction and performance requirements of a cooling cabinet of the natural refrigerator made out of clay which operates on the principle of evaporative cooling.
• These cabinets may be used to store perishable foodstuff without the need of electricity.
• It provides a natural coldness to foodstuffs so that they remain fresh without deteriorating their quality.
• The standard can help grassroots innovations march hand-in-hand with innovations in the formal sector. 
  
  

Significance:

• The standard helps in the endeavour of BIS to fulfil 6 of out 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger), 5 (Gender equality), 7 (Affordable and clean energy), 9 (Industry, innovation, and infrastructure), and 12 (Responsible consumption and production).

Impact:

• The impact of the ‘Mitticool Refrigerator’ has already been exponential, and it is poised to grow by attaining this significant milestone of setting standards.
• It is already playing a lead role in:
• reviving the pottery culture, tradition, and heritage;
• connecting people back to roots in better,
• healthier ways;
• promoting sustainable consumption;
• economically empowering the indigent community;
• working towards green and cool earth, economic development and employment generation; and
• contributing towards rural women upliftment and making them financially independent