In India’s rural heartlands, where traditional gender roles have long dictated women’s lives, a revolutionary initiative is giving them wings—quite literally. The ‘Drone Didi’ programme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in 2023, is transforming rural women into skilled drone pilots, enabling them to earn a livelihood while modernizing agriculture.
What once seemed like science fiction is now a reality, with women operating industrial drones for crop spraying and fertilization. This initiative is not just about technology; it is about breaking barriers, fostering financial independence, and changing deep-rooted perceptions about women’s capabilities.
The Rise Of The ‘Drone Sisters’
Traditionally, rural Indian women have had limited opportunities to work outside their homes, often bound by household responsibilities and societal norms. However, a groundbreaking initiative called the ‘Drone Didi’ programme is changing that. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in 2023, the initiative aims to equip women-led self-help groups with drones to provide agricultural services. So far, 500 drones have been distributed, with a target of reaching 15,000 in the coming years.
The scheme empowers women by training them to operate industrial-sized drones for crop spraying, fertilizing, and other agricultural tasks. As a result, many women, who were once confined to domestic work, are now earning a steady income and gaining newfound independence.
The Job And Its Challenges
Operating a drone might sound like a futuristic job, but for women like Rupinder Kaur from Punjab, it is now an everyday reality. She maneuvers drones weighing between 25 to 35 kilograms to spray pesticides and fertilizers on farmland. “This is not an easy task… especially for women who were (earlier) staying at home… this work has increased respect for us in society and in the home and family,” she told Reuters.
The work requires both technical skills and physical effort, as the women must fill the drones’ canisters with chemicals, transport them to fields, and ensure precise spraying. Despite these challenges, the benefits far outweigh the difficulties, allowing them to earn up to ₹4,500 per day while revolutionizing agricultural practices.
A New Source Of Income And Independence
For many women, the programme has been life-changing. Sharmila Yadav, a 35-year-old mother of two from Haryana, was a homemaker for 16 years before enrolling in the training. She now sprays fertilizer over farms in Pataudi and earns ₹50,000 after covering 150 acres twice in five weeks—more than double the average monthly income in Haryana.
“I feel very proud when someone calls me a pilot. I have never sat in a plane, but I feel like I am flying one now,” she said. The job not only provides financial stability but also gives women a sense of self-worth and professional identity, something that was rare in many rural communities.
Changing Perceptions In Rural India
Women stepping out of their homes for work is often frowned upon in patriarchal societies, but attitudes are gradually shifting. “Earlier, it was difficult for women to step out of the house. They were supposed to do only household chores and look after the children,” said Yadav. “Women who went out for work were looked down upon. They were taunted for neglecting their motherly duties. But now mindsets are changing gradually.”
With their growing financial independence, these women are not only contributing to their families but also proving that they are capable of handling advanced technology. The sight of women flying drones over lush green fields is a powerful symbol of progress and empowerment.
Training For A Better Future
The programme is not just about handing out drones; it involves rigorous training. Women have to pass an interview before being enrolled. They then undergo a weeklong theory course, practical training, and a written test.
“In the beginning, many women are nervous, but by the time they finish the course, they become super confident,” said Nisha Bharti, an instructor at Drone Destination, a training school. “It is as if they grow wings and want to fly higher and higher.” The initiative has already trained 300 women and aims to reach 15,000, with support from organizations like the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), which provides free drones and battery-run vehicles to transport them.
Also Read: Amazon To Use Drones For Delivery: Success Or Failure?
A Step Towards Modernized Farming
Beyond empowering women, the Drone Didi programme is modernizing Indian agriculture. Traditionally, spraying pesticides and fertilizers required a labor-intensive process, often exposing workers to hazardous conditions. Drones, however, allow farmers to cover one acre in just five to six minutes, saving time, water, and labor costs.
“This scheme is not just about employment but also empowerment and rural entrepreneurship,” said Yogendra Kumar, the marketing director of IFFCO. Farmers, too, are benefiting, as they no longer need to rely on manual labor, which is often difficult to find. Additionally, the risk of encountering scorpions and other field hazards is significantly reduced.
Women At The Forefront Of Change
The Drone Didi programme is more than just a government initiative; it’s a movement that is transforming lives, mindsets, and agriculture in India. Women who once had no financial independence are now skilled drone pilots, earning their own income, and gaining the respect they deserve.
By introducing technology to rural women, this initiative is not just modernizing farming but also fostering social change. It challenges the deep-seated notion that women should remain confined to household duties, proving that they are capable of taking on advanced roles in a rapidly evolving world. As India pushes for digital and economic progress, these women are soaring—breaking stereotypes, lifting their families, and reshaping rural landscapes. The sky is no longer the limit; it’s just the beginning of a brighter future.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Deccan Herald, Economic Times, Times Of India
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: Drone Didi, Women Empowerment, Rural Women, Women in Technology, Agriculture Innovation, Drone Technology, Indian Farming, Rural Development, Digital India, Women Entrepreneurs, Modi Government, Skill Development, Financial Independence, Women in Agriculture, Breaking Stereotypes, Modern Farming, Self Help Groups, Make in India, Smart Farming, Gender Equality, Women Workforce, Rural Employment, Agritech India, Sustainable Agriculture, Women Leadership
Disclaimer: We do not hold any right, copyright over any of the images used, these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly mail us.
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