Inaugurating RuTAGe Smart Village Center supported by La Fondation Dassault Systèmes
Contributing to Fulfilling Rural India’s Aspirations with Smart Village Centers
India is making rapid strides in the overall development of the country, transforming the lives of its citizens, creating opportunities for growth, improving livelihood for all, and contributing to sustainable development. With the majority of India’s population residing in rural areas, it fosters aspirations for access to clean drinking water, energy, sustainable farming, education, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for rural youth, improved livelihood, and an overall enhanced quality of life. For a rural populous country such as India, fulfilling aspirations of the rural ecosystem and ensuring sustainable development are key drivers for such transformations.
In this context La Fondation Dassault Systèmes has embarked upon a journey for “Taking Technologies to Villages”. Technologies that are developed by teams of professors and students under industry mentorship will be made available to the villages at their doorsteps. Such an integration will benefit villagers / farmers communities and contribute to the socioeconomic development of rural ecosystems, create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for local youths.
The Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India (PSA office) is running an inspirational program: the RuTAGe (Rural Technology Action Group) Smart Village Centers (RSVC) program. The "Taking Technologies to Villages" program by La Fondation Dassault Systèmes has great synergy with the RSVC program. La Fondation Dassault Systèmes is collaborating with the PSA office to establish a RSVC at Dhamari village, which is the first RSVC in the Maharashtra state of India. The RSVC at Dhamari village is established under the aegis of the PSA office and through a partner ecosystem consisting of Vigyan Ashram as the implementation partner, Agro Rangers as the anchor partner and N. K. Orchid College of Engineering and Technology – Solapur as the technology partner.
On March 5, 2025, the RuTAGe Smart Village Center at Dhamari village was inaugurated with the blessings of Prof. Ajay Sood, the Hon’ble Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. The inauguration function was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Sapna Poti (Director, Strategic Alliance, PSA Office), Yogesh Bijlani (Program Director, RSVC Program), Mr. Philippe Maurin (Scientific and Higher Education Attaché, French Consulate in India), along with representatives from the French Consulate, dignitaries from the local ecosystem, local farmers, villagers, our partners Vigyan Ashram, Agro Rangers, and N. K. Orchid College of Engineering - Solapur. Their presence underscores a shared commitment to fostering rural development through technological innovation.
Bridging the Gap between Rural Communities and Technology
The RSVC in Dhamari village represents a significant step toward empowering rural populations by bringing technologies to the door-step of the villagers, demonstrating how technology, collaboration, and localized solutions can drive sustainable social impact. Through skills training, improved agricultural practices, and entrepreneurship support, the center aims to boost rural economic growth and enhance livelihoods.
Equipped with innovative and sustainable technologies, the RSVC features:
- 24/7 solar dryer with a 100 kg daily drying capacity
- Satellite-based crop and soil health monitoring and advisory
- Low-cost crop-specific bio fertilizers
- Grain cleaning machine
- Nursery facility to support agriculture-based livelihoods
This model aligns with the broader vision of "Taking Technologies to Villages", providing rural communities with direct local access to technological advancements, fostering self-sufficiency and skill development within the community.
Initiative with Academia Collaboration to Create Lasting Impact
The technologies adopted as part of the RuTAGe Smart Village Centers program, such as the solar dryer, are primarily designed by engineering students and professors as part of their curriculum, within the framework of La Fondation Dassault Systèmes’ strategic focus on education.
This initiative allows them to work on real-world needs that will have a long-term positive impact on farmers, making their studies both practical and meaningful.
This initiative goes beyond technology, it is about transforming lives, promoting environmentally sustainable agriculture, and creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that will empower rural communities for generations to come.