In a pioneering move towards gender empowerment and agricultural innovation, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., a leading farm equipment company, to launch two pilots under the flagship Drone Didi Yojana. The scheme, unveiled earlier this year, aims to equip 15,000 women with the skills to operate drones for various agricultural tasks, including fertiliser sowing, crop monitoring, and seed sowing, thereby opening new avenues of livelihood for women in rural areas.
Under the partnership, MSDE and Mahindra & Mahindra will conduct exclusive training sessions for 500 women at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Hyderabad and Noida. The 15-day curriculum, approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, will be delivered by Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) instructors, leveraging Mahindra’s agricultural expertise for comprehensive training.
Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership with Mahindra & Mahindra marks a significant step in empowering rural women in agriculture. Through the Drone Didi program, we aim to equip women with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s socio-economic growth.” Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD of Mahindra Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the initiative’s alignment with Mahindra’s philosophy of empowerment. “The pilot under the Drone Didi Yojana represents a convergence of women, farming, and technology. We are delighted to provide technology training to grassroots women, ensuring agriculture is equipped for the future,” he stated.