Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) opened a new drone manufacturing unit in Vizianagaram on Saturday. Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and MSME and NRI Affairs Minister Kondapalli Srinivas inaugurated the facility, which aligns with the central government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The program encourages domestic production of drones and related components to expand their use across industries.
Speaking at the event, Naidu emphasized the potential of drones in agriculture to lower labor costs and regulate pesticide use. He also highlighted the job opportunities available for students trained in drone technology. “The recently introduced drone policy could transform North Andhra into a hub for drone manufacturing,” he said.
In addition to the launch, Naidu introduced the ‘Health Care on Wheels’ project, designed to deliver affordable diagnostic services to nearby villages.
CUTM officials showcased other university initiatives, including organic farming, electric rickshaws, and short-distance plane manufacturing. During the event, CUTM Chancellor G.S.N. Raju and Vice-Chancellor Prashant Kumar Mohanty signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vivek Shah, CEO of Smart Village Movement. The MoU focuses on knowledge and equipment exchange for agriculture courses recently approved by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR).
The drone manufacturing unit and associated projects demonstrate CUTM’s commitment to integrating technology into agriculture, healthcare, and education.
Monday, January 13, 2025