PM Modi Announces Drone Training Scheme for Women's Empowerment in Agriculture

In a stride toward technological innovation in agriculture and the empowerment of women, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed plans to launch a groundbreaking initiative. Addressing the nation on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day celebrations, Modi announced a scheme that will see approximately 15,000 self-help groups (SHGs) of women trained in flying and repairing drones.

Emphasizing the importance of women-led development, Modi expressed his vision for progress driven by the efforts of women across the country. He underscored the pivotal role of women's self-help groups in rural India and articulated his aspiration to witness around 20 million women attain financial prosperity, referring to them as "lakhpati didis" (millionaire sisters). To achieve this ambitious goal, the government is exploring measures to support women's economic growth.

The prime minister highlighted the collaborative efforts of the central and state governments to integrate modern technology into agriculture. Among these advancements, the utilization of drones for the targeted spraying of chemicals and fertilizers has emerged as a game-changer. This announcement follows the recent revelation that Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (Iffco), a prominent fertiliser company, intends to acquire 2,500 drones for efficient spraying of nano urea, nano diammonium phosphate (DAP), and other substances. These drones will be distributed through a network of over 5,000 rural entrepreneurs and provided free of cost.

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Subsequently, other key players in the fertiliser and pesticides industry have also initiated orders for drones to facilitate efficient spraying of their products.

The decision to train and equip 15,000 women SHGs with drones is poised to revolutionize the landscape of Indian agriculture. By empowering women in rural areas, this move is anticipated to expedite the integration of drone technology into farming practices, resulting in considerable employment opportunities and agri-business growth in rural regions.

Anoop Upadhyay, co-founder and director of IoTechWorld Avigation, a leading Indian agri-drone manufacturer, remarked, "Providing drones to 15,000 women SHGs would revolutionise India's agriculture landscape and would empower women, which is key towards the growth of our nation."

A few years ago, the Indian government decided to financially support various agricultural entities and individuals for the acquisition of drones. This funding approach entails full financial coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh for the purchase of drones by agricultural training institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Additionally, 75% of funding is available for drones procured by farmer-producer organisations (FPOs).

The scheme also extends financial support up to Rs 6,000 per hectare for agencies engaging drones in demonstration purposes. In conjunction with research institutions and FPOs, the government is offering 40% financial assistance (up to Rs 4 lakh) for custom hiring centres established by cooperatives and FPOs to purchase drones. Agriculture graduates setting up custom hiring centres are eligible for 50% financial support, capped at Rs 5 lakh, for drone purchases.

This initiative not only propels the integration of cutting-edge technology into agriculture but also emphasizes the government's commitment to women's empowerment and rural economic growth.

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