In a promising step toward modernizing agriculture, rural women in India are adapting drone technology to revolutionize farming practices. These women, including 40-year-old Mandeep Kaur Pannu from Ludhiana, Punjab, are training to become certified drone pilots via the NAMO Drone Didi initiative, which will assist nearby farmers in effectively spraying crops. This program will not only increase agricultural output but also give women new skills and financial freedom.
The Journey to Becoming a Drone Didi
From a farming family in Barundi, Ludhiana, Mandeep Kaur Pannu was motivated to pursue drone pilot training by a self-help group (SHG) run by HDFC Parivartan and GT Bharat. Under the supervision of professionals, Mandeep finished her 15-day certification program at IFFCO's facility in Manesar, Haryana. She began offering services to spray fertilizers and pesticides, charging ₹300 per acre, a much-needed support for farmers dealing with labor shortages and high manual costs.
Expanding Opportunities and Overcoming Challenges
The government is making a major investment in agriculture technology with the NAMO Drone Didi project, which aims to train 15,000 women drone pilots. Through this program, women like Simranjit Kaur from Marewal, Ludhiana, who holds an M.Sc. in physics, have been able to bridge the gap between ancient farming methods and modern technology. With an e-vehicle, power generator, and drone, Simranjit can cover two acres in seven minutes, revolutionizing agricultural time and labor efficiency.
Another Drone Didi, Rajveer Kaur from Chak Sahu in Faridkot, faced logistical challenges due to limited battery life, covering only four acres with two batteries. Despite such obstacles, she remains hopeful about the potential of drones in transforming farming, especially for large tracts of land where traditional methods fall short.
Addressing the Need for Mobility and Support
Although the program has given many women more authority, mobility is still a major obstacle. According to Kulvir Kaur, a Krishi Sakhi volunteer from Malout, Muktsar, their ability to effectively reach fields is hindered by the absence of easily accessible transportation. Only a few pilots are given access to e-vehicles by the central program, and sensitive drone equipment is difficult to transport on two-wheelers.
However, in order to get over these limitations, women are organizing and looking for e-rickshaws as a practical and safe mode of transportation.
Impact and Future Prospects
The Drone Didi initiative integrates women into technology-driven positions in agriculture, bringing about a wider societal change than only providing farms with technological growth.
With every acre covered, these women contribute to a larger movement that reduces labor costs, conserves resources, and supports sustainable farming.
Conclusion
India's Drone Didis are showing how technology can be an effective instrument for advancing agriculture and empowering women. The NAMO Drone Didi initiative has the potential to transform rural livelihoods and increase crop output by solving logistical issues and offering continuous assistance, allowing women to take the lead in modern farming methods.
