Empowering women: 500 SHGs to get drones, training for agriculture services

In a significant move to empower women entrepreneurs in Haryana, the state government has launched the ‘Drone Didi’ initiative to train 5,000 women from 500 self-help groups (SHGs) to operate drones. This initiative, focused on promoting technology in agriculture, will equip women with drone operation skills and provide one drone to each selected SHG during the 2024-25 fiscal year.

‘Drone Didi’ scheme

Beneficiaries: 5,000 women from 500 self-help groups (SHGs)

Training provider: Drone Imaging and Information Service of Haryana Ltd

Training duration: 1 week, free of cost

Subsidy: 80% of drone cost or ₹8 lakh per SHG

Purpose: Enable women to provide affordable drone rental services in agriculture

Pilot success: 20 women already trained and using drones in agriculture

The Haryana Skill Development Mission has directed all Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs) in the state to identify eligible women, enabling the training process to begin. These women will later provide affordable drone rental services to farmers for use in agricultural operations.

Karnal district has already begun identifying and registering eligible women, with 25 SHGs selected so far. “We are identifying eligible women for drone training under the Drone Didi scheme. Their registration is also underway,” said Yash Jaluka, ADC Karnal.

The Drone Imaging and Information Service of Haryana Limited (DRIISHYA), a state government initiative, will provide a free one-week training programme to the women. “To promote entrepreneurship among women, drone training will be offered to unlock new career opportunities. This training will empower them to use this technology for income generation in agriculture, making them financially independent,” said Phool Kumar, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of DRIISHYA, based in Karnal.

The government will provide drones to SHGs at heavily subsidised rates. “A subsidy of 80% of the drone cost or a maximum of Rs 8 lakh will be provided to each SHG,” Kumar added.

Authorities believe this initiative will strengthen rural development and entrepreneurship by enabling women to offer affordable drone services to farmers.

The COO also highlighted the success of earlier pilot projects: “Around 20 women have already been trained to operate drones by DRIISHYA, and they are currently using this technology in agriculture.”