 Early Times Report
JAMMU, June 18: As an Institute of National Importance, IIT Jammu has consistently pursued a vision that extends beyond academic excellence to meaningful societal impact. Through its outreach and community engagement initiatives, the institute has been actively harnessing science, technology, and innovation to address grassroots challenges, strengthen rural livelihoods, and foster sustainable development. Under the framework of Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, IIT Jammu continues to bridge the gap between laboratory innovations and community needs, empowering local communities through practical, need-based technological interventions.
In another significant step towards promoting rural entrepreneurship and strengthening dairy-based livelihoods, IIT Jammu successfully handed over a Batch Milk Pasteurizer Unit to beneficiaries of Bajalta Village, Nagrota Block, under the project sanctioned by the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA). The pasteurizer unit is expected to support local dairy farmers by improving milk preservation, reducing spoilage, enhancing milk quality and safety, and creating better income-generation opportunities through value addition and extended shelf life of dairy products.
The unit was formally inaugurated by Dr. Ankit Tyagi, Principal Investigator of the project, along with his student team, representatives of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), members of the concerned Self-Help Group (SHG), village representatives, beneficiaries, including Dr. Sameer Kumar Sarma Pachalla, PI Coordinator, IIT Jammu. The project, titled "Development of a Batch Milk Pasteurizer Unit" was sanctioned under the UBA Subject Expert Group (SEG) on Rural Livelihood.
As part of the initiative, SHG members were provided hands-on training on the technical aspects, operation, and maintenance of the pasteurizer unit to ensure its effective utilization and long-term sustainability. The beneficiaries appreciated the initiative and expressed their gratitude to IIT Jammu and UBA for supporting local milk processing capabilities and encouraging SHG-led entrepreneurial ventures within the community.
The activity was coordinated by the UBA Regional Coordinating Institution (RCI), IIT Jammu, under the guidance of Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu, Prof. Meenakshi Rajeev, Dean Outreach, and Dr. Sameer K S P, Associate Dean Outreach. The project reflects IIT Jammu's sustained commitment to leveraging technological innovation for sustainable rural development, livelihood enhancement, and community empowerment. |
