IFFCO Launches All-Women Kisan Drone Pilot Training under PM's 'Lakhpati Didi Yojana'

In a significant stride towards empowering women in rural India, Drone Destination, a leading entity in the drone technology sector, has forged a groundbreaking collaboration with IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Coop Ltd.) and leading Agricultural Drone Manufacturers. Their collective goal is to initiate the "All Women Drone Pilot Training Program" across multiple locations, as part of the "Lakhpati Didi Yojana," an initiative championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This program aims to elevate women-led self-help groups (SHGs) by equipping them with the skills to become proficient drone operators and successful entrepreneurs.

Prime Minister Modi envisions that "Drone ki Udaan will be carried out by thousands of women from SHGs who will be trained to operate as well as repair drones." Under this visionary project, the government will provide drones to thousands of women members from 15,000 SHGs, with the ultimate goal of creating 2 crore 'lakhpati didis' (millionaire sisters) in villages across India.

Drone Destination, recognizing the transformative potential of this initiative, has swiftly launched training programs in alignment with the government's vision. CEO Chirag Sharma of Drone Destination expressed his optimism that drone technology holds the potential to revolutionize precision farming and create fresh opportunities for income generation within the farming community. The company has initiated Medium Class Certified Kisan Drone Training in collaboration with IGRUA, establishing training facilities in Gurugram, Phulpur, and Gwalior. So far, they have effectively instructed and prepared more than 60 women drone pilots, enabling them to operate drones with a weight capacity of up to 50 Kgs.

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Over the coming year, Drone Destination has ambitious plans to extend these training programs nationwide, with the intention of providing instruction to more than 10,000 women hailing from self-help groups. These programs will encompass a range of drone operations and maintenance courses, thus broadening the horizons for women in the drone technology sector.

To further fortify the capacity building within the drone industry, the Ministry of Civil Aviation recently announced an amendment to the Drone Rules 2021. This alteration removed the requirement for a passport to become a certified drone pilot. Now, an individual only needs to be Class Xth pass, possess an Aadhar Card, and a valid secondary ID to enroll in a DGCA-certified drone pilot training program.

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Notably, Drone Destination Limited recently made headlines by launching a successful IPO, becoming the first drone company to be listed on NSE Emerge. The company is gearing up to develop the largest network of Drone Hubs, offering a comprehensive range of services, including drone sales, after-sales support, maintenance and repair, drone services, and training - all under one roof. They extend an invitation to potential partners and stakeholders to join the burgeoning drone revolution, with the aim of propelling India to become the Drone Capital of the world by 2030.

The "All Women Drone Pilot Training Program" is not only a step towards gender empowerment but also a leap towards India's technological advancement in the drone industry. With the participation of women, this initiative aims to bring about transformative changes in rural India, promoting skill development, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.

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