Science, Technology and Innovation Hub

“Improving Tribal Livelihoods, Education and Sustainability”
STI – ITLIVES
Established: 2023
Email: stihubdstmzu@gmail.com

The STI Hub – Improving Tribal Livelihoods, Education, and Sustainability – is funded by the Department of Science and Technology and implemented through a collaborative partnership between Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and Mizoram University

The Science, Technology & Innovation Hub (STI Hub) is dedicated to improving the livelihoods, health, and socio-economic status of tribal communities in Mizoram through sustainable and technology-driven interventions. By integrating modern science with indigenous knowledge, the Hub seeks to address challenges in healthcare delivery, nutrition, and livelihood enhancement. It introduced value-added food products aiming to ensure dietary diversity and economic growth.

The project adopts an interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise in Food Technology, Forestry, Ayurveda, Computer Science, Social Work, and Rural Development. Technology-enabled tools, including digital health surveys, nutritional deficiency detection applications, and multilingual awareness platforms, will strengthen healthcare access for remote communities. Simultaneously, capacity-building programs will enhance digital literacy, skill development, and peer-led health awareness initiatives. Together, these interventions foster sustainable systems that empower communities, preserve traditional practices, and address multidimensional poverty, thereby promoting long-term health, resilience, and socio-economic empowerment across Mizoram.

I

S&T solution for jhum cultivation:

(i) To work with local farmers involved in jhum cultivation to address soil runoff through the introduction of indigenous edible plants.

(ii) To work with local farmers involved in jhum cultivation and introduce traditional alder (Alnus nepalensis) based agroforestry systems employing the intercropping method.

II

Indigenous/Traditional Knowledge:

(i) To compile and document the indigenous practices, knowledge, and medicinal plants used by the tribal healers

III

Nutrition: Health, wellbeing, and livelihood solutions through food processing technology

(i) To develop added food processing through intervening food processing enterprise

(ii) To focus on health and nutrition

(iii) To develop skills for livelihood

IV

Health Awareness:

(i) To develop customized health awareness solutions using ICT-enabled Simulation technology for training the target individuals

V

Digital Literacy and Peer Awareness

(i) To provide training on digital literacy

(ii) To promote and encourage preventive health awareness through peer ambassadors

VI

Livelihood:

(i) To promote sourcing wild edible leafy plants

(ii) To market and sell local products with the support of local SHGs

(ii) To support local farmers by procuring raw materials, like herbs and medicinal plant, from them

VII

Digital Database:

(i) To create a range of existing and new technologies for Digital data collection and analysis applications , Nutritional deficiency detection, Simulation based health training apps, and Integrated multilingual health monitoring system s will be deployed over the duration of the project.

(ii) GIS and Vision based tools for digitalisation of IKS.

i. To improve the livelihoods of the ST communities through Science and Technology interventions based on the identification of gaps and requirements in the predominant livelihoods leading to sustainable livelihoods.

  • Strengthening the existing livelihoods based on local resources and value addition
  • Creation of alternate livelihoods based on the availability of natural resources and skill sets
  • Science and Technology Capacity Building and Skill Development for augmenting income generation
  • Science and Technology interventions for improving access to health and education

ii. Creation of Social Enterprises & strengthening market linkages & supply chains.

  • Skills, Scientific, and Technical Capacity building of youth to encourage entrepreneurship
  • Empower, encourage & train youth by deploying ICT interventions for start-ups in food processing

iii. Harness, document, research, validate, and conserve the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) skills and practices of different ST communities through inputs of Science and Technology.

  • Promote, preserve and protect indigenous & traditional wellness practices
  • Develop value-added Ayurveda-inspired food and health-related products
  • Digitalization & documentation to address existing knowledge gaps

Prof. Lalnilawma

Principal Invesitigator, MZU

Dr. Raghu Raman

Principal Invesitigator, AVV

Dr. Lalhmingliani Renthlei

Principal Invesitigator (In Charge, MZU)

 

Dr Baby Zaithanpuii Hmar

Co Principal Investigator, MZU

Dr Prema Nedungadi

Co Principal Investigator, AVV

Dr. Lalhmunsiama

Co Principal Investigator, MZU

Dr. Bhavani Rao R

Co Principal Investigator, AVV

Prof. Manoj Kumar

Co Principal Investigator, MZU

Dr. C Nagarajan

Co Principal Investigator, AVV

Dr. David C Vanlalfakawma

Co Principal Investigator, MZU

Dr. Janci Rani P.R

Co Principal Investigator, AVV

Janet Lalremruati

Project Coordinator, MZU

Pushkar Joshi

Project Coordinator, AVV

Project Assistant

Lalramthara(MZU)

Frederick Lalhmachhuana (MZU)

Lalnunsiami Fanai (MZU)

R Lalremmuana (AVV)

Christopher Zomuanpuia (AVV)

Project Associate

Devaprasanna Patrick(AVV)

Dr. Lalrinhlui (AVV)

Field Assistant

F Lalfakmawia (AVV)

Zorempuii (MZU)

Lorna Lalduhsaki (AVV)

Call us: +919862437733/ +918249034790

Address:

Science Technology and Innovation Hub

Mizoram University

Tanhril-796004, Mizoram

Email: stihubdstmzu@gmail.com