The program stakeholders are committed to supporting local farmers. Farmers feel RIS-like initiatives will significantly benefit the farming community across various agroclimatic regions of the state.
Jagtial, Telangana – AgHub the incubation center of Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural
University operating through its unique Hub & Spoke model, has established an Innovation Hub in
Hyderabad and has nurtured over 100 food and Agritech startups. It has now launched its first Rural
Innovation Spoke at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) in Polasa, Jagtial, Telangana.
Its inauguration marks a significant milestone in promoting rural innovation and entrepreneurship.
The AgHub Rural Innovation Spoke was officially inaugurated by Chief Guest Ms. Suseela Chintala,
Chief General Manager, NABARD, TGRO, along with Dr. Praveen Rao, Director of AgHub and
Former Vice Chancellor, PJTSAU. Other notable attendees included Guest of Honour Dr. P. Raghu
Rami Reddy, Registrar, PJTSAU, Dr. R. Kalpana Sastry, Managing Director, AgHub, Mr. Vijay
Nadiminti, CEO & Director, AgHub, Dr. G. Sreenivas, ADR, RARS-Jagtial, Dr. Bharathi Bhatt, AD,
RARS Jagtial, and university officers of PJTSAU.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Suseela Chintala highlighted that initiatives like RIS align closely with
NABARD’s objectives. She expressed her aspiration to see rural entrepreneurs from Jagtial and
Northern Telangana represented at national and international startup and business events.
Dr. Kalpana Sastry described the launch of the RIS as a milestone, calling it “perhaps the first rural
innovation center” focused on creating rural entrepreneurs and promoting innovation and technological
advancements in agriculture to benefit farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs in the region.
Mr. Vijay Nadiminti, CEO, AgHub, elaborated on the concept of Rural Innovation Spokes. He
provided insights into the objectives and expected outcomes of the RIS initiative, which focuses on
nurturing rural entrepreneurship among rural SHGs, FPOs, Rural entrepreneurs, women, youth, and
grassroot innovators.
Dr. Praveen Rao engaged with students from the College of Agriculture, Jagtial, encouraging them to
utilize the facilities of the Rural Innovation Spoke and embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. Dr. P.
Raghu Rami Reddy also interacted with the students, explaining the Bootstrap grant assistance offered
by AgHub to support young entrepreneurs and grassroots innovators, encouraging them to seize this
opportunity.
A key highlight of the event was the experience-sharing session with rural incubatees of AgHub: M.S.
Innovations, Akshaya Drone Services, and Sri. Anjaneyam Technologies. They shared their journeys
and the impact of their innovations on the agricultural landscape, aiming to inspire other budding
entrepreneurs and facilitate knowledge exchange.
The inauguration of the AgHub Rural Innovation Spoke marks a significant step towards fostering a
culture of innovation & entrepreneurship in rural areas. This event aims to create a robust ecosystem
that supports and nurtures agricultural entrepreneurship by bringing together key stakeholders,
innovators, and partners. This initiative is expected to drive positive changes, enhance productivity,
and ultimately improve farmers’ livelihoods in the region.
With the launch of this Rural Innovation Spoke, AgHub continues to expand its reach and impact,
empowering rural areas with the tools and knowledge necessary for sustainable development and
economic growth in agri-food systems. AgHub, PJTSAU, plans to launch a series of rural Agri, food
& skilling incubators across Jagtial, Warangal, and Tandur in Telangana, India.
