Drone Didis Empowering Women to Elevate
Indian Farming
In rural India, where farming has long been a male-dominated domain, a quiet revolution is being led by women known as “Drone Didis.” Through the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) are being trained and equipped with agricultural drones to offer precision spraying services to farmers. The scheme, supported by the Indian government, provides up to an 80% subsidy on drone packages and includes extensive training in drone piloting and agro-application.
This initiative has been transformative, both technologically and socially. In Varanasi, for instance, nine Drone Didis managed to service over 2,500 acres in just 10 months, earning over ₹3 lakh while significantly reducing chemical use in fields. The scheme not only reduces manual labour and pesticide exposure but also uplifts the economic position of women by positioning them as tech-driven entrepreneurs.
By integrating women into the drone ecosystem, the program addresses both gender and technological gaps in Indian agriculture. As rural women master drone technology, they’re reshaping the future of farming and proving that innovation in India doesn’t have to come from cities alone—it can rise from the fields.
