In a significant stride towards women’s empowerment in agriculture, IIT Mandi presented the success of its ‘Drone Didi’ program to President Droupadi Murmu at the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship’s inauguration ceremony at Kaushal Bhavan in New Delhi. Executed for 20 female students with support from the Agriculture Skill Council of India, the program focuses on Agri Drone Applications and serves as a platform for women entrepreneurs in drone technology.
Operated in collaboration with the Institute’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), the ‘Drone Didi’ initiative provides technical support and on-the-job opportunities. Tailored for women in Himachal Pradesh and beyond, the program, as part of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0, offers comprehensive training and support to its participants. The first batch of 20 students will receive theoretical and practical training on drone flying, leading to remote pilot licenses, as well as training on agricultural drone applications such as crop pesticide spraying, monitoring field conditions, plant health, seeding, and pollination.
Moreover, the program includes capacity building support in entrepreneurship, mentorship support, and assistance in market/credit linkages. The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of President Droupadi Murmu, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, and the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the transformative nature of empowering women in agriculture through drone automation, emphasizing its role in fostering inclusivity and equity in the agricultural landscape. She expressed that integrating women into this crucial sector ensures a diversified and skilled workforce, contributing significantly to the growth and sustainability of agricultural practices.
Shashi Bala, a beneficiary of IIT Mandi iHub’s ‘Drone Didi’ program, shared her positive experience, stating, “After understanding the benefits of this girls-only residential program, I decided to join. I am pleased with what I have learned so far in this program, such as drone applications, maintenance, DGCA guidelines, agri-drone applications, business skills, and soft skills. I also have a mentor who is a sounding board for me and gives me full support in pursuing my aspirations.”
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