Source: The Hindu
Context
Two RuTAGe Smart Village Centres (RSVCs) were virtually inaugurated — one at Beerpur PACS in Jagtial district (India’s first PACS-based RSVC) and the other at Nandanam Farmers Service Cooperative Society (FSCS) in Hanumakonda district — both in Telangana, to bring science, innovation, and practical technology solutions to rural communities. The initiative is led by the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, in partnership with NABARD (Chairman Shri Shaji K.V.), aiming to convert primary cooperative societies into local technology hubs delivering affordable, need-based solutions for agriculture, value addition, and rural entrepreneurship. The Beerpur RSVC deploys agri drones, soil testing device, smart irrigation, poha + puffed rice processing units, happy seeder, and solar sky tubes; the Nandanam RSVC features agri drones, cold-press oil extraction, smart irrigation, puffed rice machine, soil testing device, and subjee cooler. Together, the two centres serve 20 villages, 18,000+ hectares, and ~5,000 farmers/cooperative members, and will generate employment via drone operations, machinery handling, processing, and service delivery. The Beerpur RSVC operates under a NABARD grant of ₹33.52 lakh from the Gramya Vikas Nidhi (GVN), is being implemented over a 3-year period (2026-2029), with technical support from Cornell Sathguru Foundation, Hyderabad.
What is an RSVC?
- Full Form: Rural Technology Action Group Smart Village Centre.
- Also called: RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (Rural Technology Action Group extension).
- Type: Permanent Panchayat-level rural technology hub.
- Aim: Bridge the gap between rural needs and technological advancements.
What is RuTAG?
- Full Form: Rural Technology Action Group.
- Conceptualised by PSA: 2003-04.
- Launched: 2004.
- Under: Office of Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India.
- Objective: Develop + disseminate appropriate technologies for rural India.
- RuTAG 2.0 flagship: RSVC model.
Technologies deployed at Beerpur RSVC
| Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Agri Drones | Precision spraying, soil scanning, aerial mapping |
| Soil Testing Device | Real-time nutrient analysis |
| Smart Irrigation System | Water conservation, targeted application |
| Poha Processing Unit | Value addition — flattened rice |
| Puffed Rice Processing Unit | Value addition — puffed rice |
| Happy Seeder | No-till seeding to reduce stubble burning |
| Solar Sky Tubes | Sustainable indoor lighting |
Technologies deployed at Nandanam RSVC
| Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Agri Drones | Precision agriculture |
| Cold-Press Oil Extraction | Value-added oil processing |
| Smart Irrigation Device | Water efficiency |
| Puffed Rice Machine | Value addition |
| Soil Testing Device | Nutrient assessment |
| Subjee Cooler | Post-harvest cold storage for vegetables |
What is Gramya Vikas Nidhi (GVN)?
- NABARD’s dedicated fund for rural development promotional activities.
- Established under NABARD Act, 1981.
- Supports capacity building, technology dissemination, pilot projects.
- Beerpur RSVC financed under GVN.
What is a FSCS?
- Farmers Service Cooperative Society — village-level cooperative body providing credit + input supply + technical services to farmers.
- Similar to PACS but with wider service focus.
Key Terms
- What is RSVC?
RuTAGe Smart Village Centre — Panchayat-level rural technology hub launched by PSA + partners; serves 15-20 villages. - What is RuTAG?
Rural Technology Action Group — conceptualised by PSA in 2003-04; develops appropriate rural technology.
Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to the RuTAGe Smart Village Centres (RSVCs) inaugurated on 24 June 2026, consider the following statements:
- The two RSVCs were established at Beerpur PACS in Jagtial district and Nandanam FSCS in Hanumakonda district, both in Telangana.
- The Beerpur RSVC is India’s first PACS-based RuTAGe Smart Village Centre.
- The initiative is led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, in partnership with NABARD.
- The two RSVCs were inaugurated by the Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None
(Statement 4 is wrong; the RSVCs were virtually inaugurated by NABARD Chairman Shri Shaji K.V., PSA Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, and Telangana Agriculture & Cooperation Secretary Shri K. Surendra Mohan — NOT by the Union Home Minister.)
Q2. With reference to the RuTAG programme, consider the following statements:
- The Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) was conceptualised by the PSA in 2003-04.
- The first-ever RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC) was inaugurated at Mandaura village, Sonipat district, Haryana on 14 February 2025.
- Each RSVC serves 15-20 villages and offers 12 technology tracks including agriculture, waste management, homestays, and village tourism.
- RuTAG is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None
(Statement 4 is wrong; RuTAG is administered by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), NOT the Ministry of Agriculture.)
Answer Key
- (c) — Statement 4 wrong: NABARD Chairman + PSA + Telangana Secretary inaugurated, not Amit Shah.
- (c) — Statement 4 wrong: RuTAG under PSA Office, not Ministry of Agriculture.
Exam Relevance
| NABARD Grade A | CRITICAL — Direct subject — RSVC, PACS, Gramya Vikas Nidhi, cooperative tech empowerment; Phase II essay-worthy |
