Drone Didi initiative: How India is empowering women to transform agriculture?

A growing number of women in rural India are entering an unexpected profession, operating drones for agricultural tasks, as reported by Indian media on Saturday. 

According to Jagran News, the Indian government’s Drone Didi initiative, launched in 2023, empowers women by providing self-help groups with drones to offer agricultural services, ensuring financial independence.

During a recent visit to Navsari, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Lakhpati Didis, a group of financially independent women, and heard their inspiring success stories.

 

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Among them, a Drone Didi shared how this initiative transformed her life. “I never imagined flying anything, but now I pilot a drone,” she said, highlighting how her new role has earned her respect in her community.

Women trained under this program operate industrial-grade drones for tasks like spraying pesticides and fertilizers. They can cover up to 10 acres daily, earning around Rs4,500 ($52) per day. Beyond economic benefits, the initiative is reshaping societal norms, proving that women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields.

With a target of distributing 15,000 drones, the Drone Didi initiative is not just modernizing agriculture but also paving the way for gender equality in rural India.