In a groundbreaking move to modernize agriculture and empower women, the Haryana government has launched a massive initiative training hundreds of women as drone pilots. These pioneering women, aptly named 'Drone Didis,' are set to transform farming practices by using drones to spray agrochemicals across a staggering one lakh acres of farmland in the state.
Empowering Women, Modernizing Farms
The ambitious project is a key component of the state's Kisan Drone Yojana. Under this scheme, the government has successfully trained 500 women from all 22 districts of Haryana to operate drones for agricultural purposes. This initiative directly supports the central government's 'Lakhpati Didi' program, aiming to foster financial independence and skill development among women in rural areas.
These Drone Didis are not just operators; they are entrepreneurs. The government has provided them with subsidized drones and comprehensive training, enabling them to start their own service ventures. They will charge farmers a fee for spraying services, creating a sustainable source of income for themselves while providing a critical, technologically advanced service to the agricultural community.
Precision, Safety, and Efficiency
The shift from traditional manual spraying to drone-based application offers a multitude of benefits. Drones ensure precision agriculture, allowing for the targeted delivery of pesticides, fertilizers, and other inputs. This method drastically reduces chemical wastage and minimizes human exposure to harmful agrochemicals, enhancing farmer safety.
Furthermore, drone spraying is remarkably efficient. A single drone can cover an acre of land in just 5 to 7 minutes, a task that would take hours through conventional methods. This efficiency saves valuable time and labor costs for farmers, especially during critical periods of crop management. The initiative promises to cover the targeted one lakh acres in a systematic and timely manner, significantly boosting farm productivity.
A Model for Agricultural Transformation
This program represents a powerful convergence of technology, women's empowerment, and agricultural innovation. By placing advanced technology in the hands of rural women, Haryana is addressing two major challenges simultaneously: the need for modern farming techniques and the economic upliftment of women.
The creation of a network of 500 skilled Drone Didis establishes a new, tech-savvy service ecosystem within the agrarian economy. It positions Haryana as a leading state in adopting smart farming solutions. The success of this model could set a precedent for other states across India, showcasing how empowering women with the right tools can drive a nation's primary sector into a new era of efficiency and sustainability.
The Haryana government's initiative is more than just a spraying program; it is a visionary step towards building a self-reliant, technologically proficient, and inclusive agricultural future for the state.
