First grassroots innovation-based standards formulated by Bureau of Indian Standards
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Published: 27th Jun, 2022
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