Drone Training for Rural Women under Mahila Cheyutha Scheme
The Telangana government has initiated a special training program to empower women by training them to operate agricultural drones under the YSR Mahila Cheyutha Scheme.
Drones, priced at 10 lakhs, are provided at a subsidized rate of 8 lakhs, with 2 lakh given as bank linkage loan.
Key Aspects:
Drone Use in Agriculture: Training women in operating drones for pesticide spraying and other precision farming activities.
Subsidy Structure: 88% of cost is covered under subsidy + bank loan; women only contribute minimal upfront capital.
Training Duration: Each batch is trained for 8 hours a day over 15 days.
Health & Safety Focus:
Reduces manual spraying health hazards; encourages safe tech-based agriculture.
Pilot Centers: Centers like PJTSAU (Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University) support implementation.
Special Focus:Marginal, SC/ST, and women farmers prioritized.
Productivity Gains: Drones help cover 5-7 acres/hour – boosts efficiency and lowers input costs.
Financial Linkage: Loans are processed through State Bank of India (SBI).
Benefits of the Mahila Cheyutha Scheme
1. Women in Agri-Tech:
Empowers rural women by training them in drone operations, crop monitoring, and agri-data services.
Bridges the gender gap in agri-tech sectors by creating high-tech roles in farming.
Directly supports SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by improving productivity and livelihoods.
2. Precision Agriculture:
Drone-Based Farming: Enables targeted pesticide spraying, crop health monitoring, and soil analysis, leading to reduced costs and improved yields.
Data-Driven Decisions: Use of aerial imaging and sensors allows farmers to assess crop needs and optimise inputs like water and fertilizers.
3.Rural Development Schemes
PM-KUSUM: Integration of solar-powered irrigation systems aligns with tech-enabled, climate-resilient farming.
Agri Infra Fund (AIF): Supports creation of drone-enabled warehouses, cold storage, and processing facilities.
Digital Agriculture Mission: Promotes the use of Al, drones, loT, and blockchain for smart farming in rural areas.
4. Skilling & Digital Empowerment:
Skill Development for Women:
Adds drone piloting and agri-data interpretation as vocational skills under PM-DAKSH and Skill India.
Entrepreneurial Upskilling: Enables women to become agri-tech service providers, trainers, or drone service aggregators in rural hubs.
5. Innovation in Farming:
Pilot Projects by ICAR & CSIR:
Demonstrated drone use in cotton, paddy, and sugarcane with proven efficiency.
Startup Support: Linked with RKVY-RAFTAAR (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana -Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation) to encourage women-led agri-tech startups.
Low-Cost Drone Models: Government support for indigenously developed drones ensures affordability and local adaptation.