44 women have been trained by the TN government in affiliation with SHGs across 28 districts, to operate drones aimed at crop protection. They will be taking care of activities such as applying fertiliser.
During the first phase of the initiative, the 44 women were given unmanned aerial vehicles and training. This was implemented under the Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission which is funded by the union and state governments in a 60:40 ratio. The initiative is also supported by the Tamil Nadu Women Development Corporation according to a press note said.
Farmers in need of drone services can contact the women — certified drone operators — via their respective Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The information has been revised in the Uzhavar mobile app under the section “Agricultural Machinery for Rental.”
Since women are primarily responsible for agricultural tasks in rural communities, the government has been rolling out various programs through SHGs to enhance their livelihoods.
According to the press release, utilizing drones for pesticide application is more effective than traditional agricultural sprayers. With a decrease in available farm workers in rural regions, this initiative will aid in covering larger areas of farmland more swiftly, it noted, adding that drones utilize less water and reduce farming expenses.
