Drone Didis to spray agrochemicals on 1 lakh acres across Haryana

The Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has set a target of covering one lakh acres through drone-based spraying of agrochemicals under the state-run “Agrishakti Namo Drone Didi” scheme. The initiative aims to promote women empowerment in rural areas while ensuring the scientific and precise application of fertilisers and insecticides in agriculture.

Under the scheme, trained women drone pilots — known as Drone Didis — will be financially supported to offer drone spraying services to farmers. The department has directed all Deputy Directors of Agriculture (DDAs) to strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures (SoPs) prescribed by the Union Government to ensure safe and effective implementation.

Officials said the programme aligns with the state government’s focus on sustainable farming practices, efficient use of agricultural inputs and enhanced participation of women in agri-service delivery. The DDAs have also been asked to launch awareness campaigns, closely monitor field operations and ensure the timely achievement of district-wise targets.

Among districts, Sirsa has been allotted the highest target of 10,000 acres, followed by Bhiwani and Karnal with 8,000 acres each. Sonepat has been assigned 6,000 acres, while Hisar, Jind, Kaithal and Palwal will cover 5,000 acres each. Districts including Fatehabad, Gurugram, Jhajjar, Kurukshetra, Nuh, Panipat, Rewari and Rohtak have targets of 4,000 acres each. Ambala, Charkhi Dadri and Yamunanagar will cover 3,000 acres each, while Faridabad and Mahendergarh have been allotted 2,000 acres each. Panchkula has the lowest target of 1,000 acres.

Giving details, Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director of Agriculture (Karnal), said the primary objective of the scheme was to promote women entrepreneurship in agriculture through drone operations. He said drone spraying ensures the judicious use of fertilisers and insecticides by adopting precision farming techniques.

“The scheme encourages the use of nano fertilisers, reduces environmental pollution, minimises excessive and unscientific use of agrochemicals, provides employment opportunities in rural areas, and enhances productivity and profitability for farmers through timely and uniform input application,” he added.

Explaining eligibility, Dr Singh said farmers must be registered on both the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal and the Agriculture Department portal to avail drone spraying services. While the cost of fertilisers and insecticides will be borne by farmers, the Drone Didis will receive Rs 250 per acre as service charges directly through the system after verification.

Drone Didis must be trained and certified as per DGCA guidelines and registered on the Agriculture Department portal. Only those recommended by the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission (HSRLM) will be eligible.

Under the implementation mechanism, farmers will book services online, following which the system will assign the task to a Drone Didi operating in the area concerned. Field officials will verify the spraying before payment is released.