New Delhi, May 19 (IANS) Union MoS for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said that promoting grassroots innovators can strengthen India’s rural economy and reduce regional imbalances through inclusive, innovation‑led growth.

Addressing a two‑day National Workshop on grassroots innovation, the minister described grassroots innovators as India’s “silent nation builders” who often operate outside formal institutions yet their traditional knowledge, local skills and practical innovations hold immense potential for livelihood generation, decentralized growth and national development.

Dr. Singh urged stronger links between local innovators and research institutions and industry to scale ideas into viable products and community solutions.

He noted that a large number of startups are now emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, reflecting the growing innovation potential of smaller towns and rural India.

Combining traditional knowledge with modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and food processing has improved commercialisation and incomes for local communities.

He cited successful interventions involving millet-based products and traditional regional food items where scientific support helped improve commercialization and income opportunities for local communities.

He said many government schemes and scientific programmes often fail to adequately reach local innovators because they remain disconnected from ground realities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently encouraged grassroots innovation and community participation through initiatives such as “Mann Ki Baat” and PM Vishwakarma.

The workshop included technical sessions on institutional enablers to support grassroots innovation, learning from grassroots innovators, community driven innovation initiatives and regional & state innovation initiatives.

Discussions during the workshop are expected to focus on policy frameworks, institutional coordination, incubation support and scalable models for expanding grassroots innovation across the country.

The workshop organised by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) and Gujarat Council of Science & Technology (GUJCOST) drew state ministers, several scientists, policymakers and innovators from across the country.

—IANS

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