Haryana’s drone wing to expand fleet, boost training for farmers, women

The Drone Imaging and Information Service of Haryana Ltd (DRIISHYA), a state-backed initiative headquartered in Karnal, is all set to expand its capabilities by adding 13 new drones to its existing fleet of 40. The expansion aims to meet the growing demand for drone-based training and technical services across the state.

The drones operated by DRIISHYA are deployed for a variety of purposes, including training, mapping, surveillance, law and order monitoring, mining oversight, and crop yield assessment.

Phool Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of DRIISHYA, confirmed that the procurement process is already underway. “A tender has already been floated and it is likely to be opened in a couple of days, after which the procurement process will proceed as per the norms,” he said.

Kumar said the additional drones will enable the agency to provide faster and more expansive services. “This will enhance our operational efficiency and allow us to serve a broader region more effectively,” he added.

In its training role, DRIISHYA offers seven to 10-day certification programmes aimed at promoting modern agricultural practices. The institute has so far trained around 250 farmers under the guidance of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department. These farmers are now using drones to spray nano-urea and fertilisers — a method that not only saves inputs but also boosts agricultural productivity. “More farmers will also be trained soon,” Kumar said.

As part of its support for the Central government’s "Drone Didi" initiative, which seeks to empower women through drone technology, DRIISHYA has applied for approval to develop three new training grounds at Karnal airport. Currently, the organisation operates only one training site at its office premises. Officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are scheduled to conduct an inspection next week.

“The new training grounds will help meet the rising demand under the Drone Didi project,” Kumar explained. Once operational, the new facilities will increase training capacity to 100 candidates per month, with each trainee receiving over 6.5 hours of hands-on flying experience guided by certified instructors.