SPMVV Vice-Chancellor V. Uma releasing the ogo of DST-STI Hub at the campus in Tirupati on Wednesday. Registrar R. Usha, Dean (Sciences) T. Sudha and ANGRAU Principal Scientist A.R.K. Rao are also seen.
\| Photo Credit: K.V. POORNACHANDRA KUMAR

The DST-STI Hub on ‘Technology-Based Innovative Practices in Sericulture, Agriculture and Livelihoods’, sponsored by the Union Department of Science and Technology (DST), was inaugurated at Sri Padmavati Mahila Visva Vidyalayam (SPMVV) in Tirupati on Wednesday.

The three-year project aims to empower Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) women and students through science, technology, innovation, skill development, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Vice-Chancellor Uma Vennam inaugurated the DST-STI Hub and highlighted the importance of science and technology in transforming rural livelihoods. She explained that the hub would provide women with technical knowledge, entrepreneurial skills, and opportunities for self-employment in sericulture, agriculture, and allied sectors. She also released the hub’s official logo on the occasion.

Principal Scientist and coordinator of ANGRAU’s District Agriculture Advisory and Transfer of Technology Centre (DAATTC), Tirupati, A.R.K. Rao, spoke on the role of modern technologies, scientific farming practices and extension services in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainable livelihood.

Registrar R. Usha called upon the women to transform into entrepreneurs, while Dean (Sciences) T. Sudha presided over the session.

Principal investigator D.M. Mamatha listed out the hub’s action plan on capacity building and livelihood enhancement steps for SC/ST women.

Academician M. Aruna stated that the hub would bridge the gap between scientific research and community needs. Nealy 150 women from Tirupati and Chittoor districts took part.

Published - July 22, 2026 08:10 pm IST