In March 2024, the Indian government launched the “Drone Didi” or “Drone Sisters” program. The program empowers women while simultaneously modernising farming practices. The government-backed program is training about 10,000 women from rural areas to become skilled fertiliser-spraying drone pilots, bringing much-needed innovation to the farming sector.
Agriculture is not just the backbone of India’s economy. It’s the lifeline that ensures the nation’s food security. However, farmers have long battled multiple challenges, from devastating crop losses due to pests and diseases to the crippling effects of climate change. The “Drone Didi” program, with its promise to transform farming by cutting labour costs, saving time and water, and empowering women with valuable skills and opportunities, almost makes you wonder why the government didn’t think of this sooner.
What does the ‘Drone Sister’ program provide in rural India?
The Drone Sister scheme involves training female members of self-help groups to operate and maintain drones. The primary aim of the scheme is to empower women and enable them to achieve financial independence. Since the program trains women to operate and maintain drones for farming and other uses, it can create job opportunities with farming cooperatives, agricultural service providers, or drone companies.
Women must pass an interview to enrol in the program. They then take a written test after a week of theory classes, followed by another week of practical training. Drone Sisters become role models, showing other women they can succeed in fields like science and technology.
Drone Didi is more than just a technological upgrade. It gives women in rural communities new job opportunities and a chance to be financially independent. Once pigeonholed into traditional roles and frowned upon for even thinking about joining the workforce, women are now proudly footing the bills at home, showing everyone just how capable they indeed are.
The Drone Sister program is not just about empowering women; it is also about protecting farmers. By replacing manual spraying with drones, it significantly reduces the risk of exposure to harmful pesticides, DAP, and urea. This innovative approach prevents issues like over-spraying and under-spraying, leading to a decrease in adverse health effects and a reduced need for fertilisers.
Empowering the role of women in agriculture
Women in agriculture put in just as much effort as their male counterparts, yet somehow, their contributions go unnoticed. Despite their tireless efforts, they’re often brushed off as mere “helpers” or “secondary hands” on the farm. This lack of recognition doesn’t just stop there. It extends to denying them equal chances for education and training in farming activities. This bias means they’re left out of making decisions, and their voices are hardly heard.
Women rightfully deserve the same recognition, encouragement, and assistance as their male peers. Achieving this fairness only happens when they’re given an equal chance. That’s what programs like the Drone Sisters are aiming for. These initiatives offer women the opportunity to not only become vital contributors to their local farming supply chains but also play a more prominent role in the agricultural sector.
Sharmila Yadav, a homemaker from rural Haryana, spent 16 years caring for her family after marrying her farmer husband. Today, she stands among hundreds of women trained to operate fertiliser-spraying aircraft through the “Drone Sister” programme. For spraying 150 acres of farmland twice over five weeks, she earns ₹50,000, more than double the average monthly income in Haryana. Yet, Sharmila says her new role is much more than just a source of income. “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 shares with pride.
Drone Sisters Scheme: The hidden challenges of being a drone pilot
While the “Drone Didi” program is a great step forward, the government needs to keep supporting it in the long run. Some farmers might not have enough money to invest in drone technology, so if the charges for hiring a Drone Didi are too high, it could be challenging for them. But that doesn’t mean Drone Didis shouldn’t get paid fairly for their work. However, there should be a middle ground where farmers can afford drone spraying without going deeper into debt.
Despite the potential earnings from being a drone pilot, working women have a lot on their plate. They have to think about other expenses, too, like household bills and family needs. Plus, there’s the uncertainty about how long the “Drone Didi” scheme will last. It’s only natural for a woman employed as a drone pilot to feel anxious about her future and the well-being of her family, mainly when they rely on her income. So, while the scheme offers opportunities, it’s essential to consider the broader financial and emotional concerns of the women involved.
In short, while we celebrate the program’s success, let’s also ensure that it remains affordable and profitable for everyone in the farming community.
The final thoughts on the Drone Sisters Scheme
Training thousands of rural women as drone pilots not only helps with farming challenges but also offers them new opportunities for financial independence and careers. However, there’s always room for improvement. It’s essential to make sure the program reaches women from all backgrounds and areas, including marginalised communities and remote regions. Furthermore, financial security and the safety of women drone pilots in agricultural fields are indeed matters of concern that should not be swept under the rug. After all, workplace safety and security apply everywhere.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
