In a significant move aimed at empowering women in agriculture and technology, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has joined hands with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd to pioneer two pilot projects under the innovative Drone Didi Yojana.

Launched earlier this year, the Drone Didi scheme seeks to provide training to 15,000 women, enabling them to proficiently operate drones for agricultural purposes. These purposes encompass a wide array of tasks including fertilizing crops, monitoring crop growth, and planting seeds, thereby ushering in novel livelihood opportunities for women by equipping them with skills in emerging technological domains.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was formalized between the Ministry and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, marking a pivotal step towards realizing the objectives of the Drone Didi initiative. The signing ceremony, graced by dignitaries including Secretary Atul Kumar Tiwari and Group CEO & MD Anish Shah, showcased the commitment of both parties to foster innovation and inclusivity in the agricultural sector.

Tiwari underscored the expertise of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd in agriculture, emphasizing how this collaboration will leverage their knowledge for comprehensive training. Two centers of the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), situated in Hyderabad and Noida, have been earmarked for the pilot projects, with a special focus on empowering rural women in agriculture.

The partnership exemplifies the ministry's dedication to upskilling women for nation-building endeavors. Tiwari highlighted the broader vision of the collaboration, emphasizing its role in equipping women with the requisite skills to contribute meaningfully to the nation's socio-economic fabric.

Anish Shah echoed this sentiment, reaffirming Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd's commitment to empowering women through skill enhancement. He described the Drone Didi Yojana as a pioneering convergence of women, farming, and technology, aligning seamlessly with the company's Rise philosophy.

Under the ambit of this collaboration, two pilot projects at NSTIs will aim to skill 500 women in exclusive batches. The meticulously crafted 15-day curriculum, approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), will be delivered by Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) instructors at these centers.

Mahindra Group will provide crucial support including initial setup assistance, simulation machinery/drones, and trainers, thereby ensuring the smooth execution of the pilot projects. Moreover, the company will bear the operating costs for the duration of these projects, including expenses related to DGCA License Holder Instructors at the centers.

The outcomes gleaned from these pilot projects will serve as a blueprint for scaling up the Drone Didi Yojana across identified NSTIs/ITIs nationwide. Furthermore, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd is poised to extend its support by offering drone training for women at its skilling centers in Zaheerabad, Telangana, and Nagpur, Maharashtra.

The collaboration between the government and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd epitomizes a concerted effort to harness the potential of women in agriculture and technology. By imparting cutting-edge skills and fostering inclusive growth, the Drone Didi Yojana is poised to transform the landscape of women empowerment in India, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.