By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: In a bid to further empower rural women and modernise agriculture, Jeevika Didi, the economic force behind rural Bihar, will soon be trained to operate drones. This initiative will enable them to assist farmers in the production of food grains. The state government is committed to providing comprehensive training to these women, who will play a pivotal role in transforming agriculture in the region.
Agriculture Minister Mangal Pandey expressed that the sight of Jeevika Didi operating drones remotely will change the landscape of rural villages. He added that a state-level committee has been established under the chairmanship of the Agriculture Secretary to ensure the effective implementation and continuous monitoring of the Drone Didi scheme. The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) has been appointed as the implementing agency for Bihar.
The Drone Didi scheme, which aims to modernise agriculture and empower women, was recently launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the ‘Empowered Nari, Vikasit Bharat’ programme. As part of the initiative, the central government has set a target to distribute 201 drones in Bihar. In collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer of Jeevika, 201 women self-help groups from 16 districts have been selected to participate. These selected women, known as ‘Drone Sisters,’ will receive training in drone operation.
Currently, Krishi Vigyan Kendra and other agricultural institutions are experimenting with ultra-modern drones equipped with automatic spraying systems. The use of drones will help increase farmers’ income by reducing the amount of pesticides used. Drones will also aid in the efficient control of pests, diseases, and weeds over large areas in a short amount of time.
Under the scheme, a major component is the provision of an 80 percent subsidy on the purchase price of agricultural drones, up to a maximum assistance of Rs 8 lakh. The remaining amount will be available through loans, with a three percent interest discount on bank loans.
This initiative is expected to not only enhance agricultural productivity but also provide rural women with new skills, contributing to their economic empowerment and the overall development of Bihar’s agriculture sector.
