Drone training transforms farmers’ lives

Parveen Arora

Karnal, January 27

In a significant stride toward modernising agriculture, approximately 100 farmers, including 20 women, have undergone drone operation training provided by Drone Imaging and Information Service of Haryana Limited (Driishya), headquartered in Karnal. This initiative, under the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, aims at revolutionising farming practices, enhance efficiency and empowering farmers with the cutting-edge technology.

The eight-day training programme covers essential aspects such as flight operations and data analysis, equipping and teaching participants how to integrate drones into their farming routines. The state government has approved training of 500 drone pilots through this project. So far, eight batches of farmers have completed their training and 100 farmers have received certificates as drone pilots from the Director-General of Civil Aviation after completing their training at Driishya, said Dr SK Yadav, the chief instructor at Driishya.

Hawa Singh, a farmer from Gharaunda, exemplifies entrepreneurial success, having purchased 14 drones with bike models using the Agri Infrastructure Funds. He opened a centre and along with his brother, roped in 10 more drone pilots to spray agro-inputs in others’ fields. “I received training in 2023 from Driishya. So far, we have covered around 20,000 acres through drone spraying. We receive Rs 400 per acre from the department and have signed contracts with companies for the agro-input spraying services,” he said.

Vimla, a drone pilot from Sirsa district, who also manages an agriculture cooperative society, received training in December. The department provided her a van equipped with a drone. Vimla and nine other women drone pilots now operate drones for agricultural purposes. She said, “The drone training has changed my life. Now, I am encouraging other women to undergo the drone training. We receive financial support from the department for drone training.”

“I received training in operating drones from Karnal, which will help me in the future,” said Vidhi Arora, a resident of Karnal.