Introduction to ‘Drone Didis’:
- Tamil Nadu’s first batch of women drone operators under the Namo Drone Didi scheme is operational.
- The initiative empowers rural women, making them part of the farming supply chain.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance ,Schemes)
- Pilot Stories:
- Nandhini Sugumar (27):
- Postgraduate in Mathematics.
- Now a trained drone operator, assisting farmers in spraying fertilizers and pesticides.
- Covers an acre of farmland in 7 minutes for ₹400 per acre.
- Operates in Devapandalam and surrounding areas where most farmers own 1-4 acres.
- Nandhini Sugumar (27):
Training and Resources
- Conducted by Garuda Aerospace Private Ltd. in Chennai:
- 5-day hands-on training on drone operation and maintenance.
- Remote Pilot Training Classes.
- Participants receive a drone worth ₹7 lakh for free:
- Equipped with two tanks and a battery set.
- Weighs ~30 kg when loaded.
Advantages
Efficient Operations:
- Reduces time for agricultural tasks:
- 1 acre in 7 minutes compared to manual methods.
- Simplifies spraying of fertilizers, pesticides, and water.
Economic Opportunity:
- Provides an alternate income for rural women.
- Charges are affordable for small-scale farmers (₹400/acre).
Skill Development:
- Introduces rural women to advanced technology.
- Promotes entrepreneurship in agriculture.
Challenges
Battery Limitations:
- Frequent recharging needed after every acre.
Logistics Issues:
- Drones, weighing ~30 kg when loaded, are difficult to transport.
- Requires assistance to carry.
Adoption Hurdles:
- Awareness and trust-building among farmers are still ongoing.
Impact on Agriculture
- Accelerates farming processes in regions with small landholdings.
- Reduces manual labor dependency.
- Enhances productivity by ensuring uniform spraying of inputs.
Policy Implications
- Highlights the need for:
- Subsidized access to drone-compatible batteries and lightweight models.
- Infrastructure for easier transportation in rural areas.
- Aligns with the government’s focus on technological inclusion and women’s empowerment in rural areas.
Conclusion
The ‘Drone Didis’ initiative exemplifies a successful blend of technology, women’s empowerment, and sustainable farming practices. While challenges like logistics and battery life persist, the program has the potential to transform rural economies and agricultural productivity.
