“Drone Didis” Of Kashi: Empowerment Through Innovation
Women have sprayed 1134 liters of fertilizers and 487 liters of pesticides using drones, boosting their income
BY : RATNESH RAI
The women of Varanasi, now affectionately known as “Drone Didis”, are breaking traditional barriers by embracing drone technology to assist in agricultural activities. With training and support from the government under the Modi-Yogi administration, these women have sprayed fertilizers and pesticides over 2581 acres, earning nearly ₹3.4 lakh in just 10 months.
Key Highlights:
- Economic Empowerment: Women have sprayed 1134 liters of fertilizers and 487 liters of pesticides using drones, boosting their income and aiding local farmers.
Government Support:
- 9 women trained as certified drone pilots from Professor Jaishankar Telangana State Agricultural University.
- Free training provided by Hindustan Fertilizer Chemicals Ltd. and IFFCO.
- Drones and electric autos worth ₹15 lakh distributed.
Efficiency Boost:
- Drones can spray 10 liters per acre in 10 minutes, saving time, cost, and manual labor.
- Field mapping and sensors ensure precision spraying.
- Wider Crop Coverage: Used for crops like sugarcane, paddy, gourd, okra, cabbage, watermelon, and more.
- Rising Demand: Neighboring districts are also seeing growing interest in drone spraying services.
Impact on Society:
- This initiative not only improves agricultural productivity but also champions gender equality and rural entrepreneurship. It exemplifies how technology can be a catalyst for women’s empowerment and self-reliance, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors like farming and aviation.
