strc.gug@gmail.com | +91 8080219036
STRC, Gondwana University, MIDC Road, Complex, Gadchiroli - 442605, Maharashtra, India
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STRC is developing a knowledge network to provide S & T based techno-social development solutions to the underserved section of the society using ICT as a tool. Web based Community Interaction Platform (WCIP) would act as a centralized system intended to provide socio-technical assist to address queries of communities and provide workable solutions with the help of a range of supporting components strategically weaved in to the WCIP platform. This aims to serve as a distance education tool in the background, where a group of individuals (farmers, artisans, women groups, farm labors, vaidu community, NTFP gatherers, etc.) are encouraged to interact with each other and hold open discussions about their common concerns, challenges, and prevalent traditional practices.
STRC is focused on developing sustainable education programs as it remains symbiotically linked to GUG. The driving principle is to create a professionally trained and motivated human resource and applicable research to influence the overall character & quality of development of the region. To realize this goal, STRC is rolling out diploma courses (Bamboo and Other), short term training and certification courses such as collection and sustainable harvesting (NTFP), capacity building program such as Farmers’ Open School and Environmental Education for School Children. We are also developing cross learning/ knowledge exchange programs (Internship/ Fellowship/ Visiting Experts).
Enabling the community with required knowledge and skill through training and capacity building for optimum resource utilization leading to informed livelihood choices. Local youths to be capacitated to become technology facilitators and ‘change agents’ to help smooth dissemination and adoption of low-cost rural technologies such as harida decorticator, bamboo harvester, manual weeder, soil-testing kits etc.
STRC is engaged in creating an R & D ecosystem within the University fold to become a hub for applicable Research and incubation for faculties, students and researchers through its ‘S & T Applications Scheme’. In house R & D for minor tools, an Aqua-One Centre as a ‘One-Stop-Shop’ to provide hands-on technology solutions in aquaculture and a Model Production Unit for innovation in bamboo product prototypes are some of the efforts within STRC, while Demonstration Plots for good agriculture and sustainable harvesting practices, Common Facility Centre for preliminary bamboo craft and installation of Portable Carp Hatcheries for fish seed production, would act as field level R & D platforms. Focus is on collaboration with research agencies and universities for R & D and incubation in rural technologies. The root lies in understanding and identifying technology needs in rural livelihoods. STRC to expose itself to available technologies and co-create technologies which can be customized or tweaked to suit the local needs. STRC plays the role of a technology facilitator to ensure smooth transfer, hand-holding and adoption of such technologies in the context of Gadchiroli District.
STRC as an Entrepreneurial Support and Business Facilitation Centre encourages local youths including women, to get in to forest and natural resource centric income generating activities around Aquaculture, Bamboo Craft, Non Timber Forest Produce (NTFPs) and Agri-allied activities. STRC facilitates establishment and growth of small businesses in form of Primary Processing Units for commercially important NTFPs, Common Facility Centres for bamboo craft, Ornamental Fish Rearing Units, Fish Seed/ Feed Marketing, High Value Vegetable Cultivation etc. and to ensure such small initiatives to take root, become best practices or replicable models for scaling up and have access to better markets. STRC also trains young entrepreneurs on the basics of legal aspects of small businesses, business cycle and related technical knowledge and provides seed funding support.
