Gujarat’s Kaushalya Skill University has initiated a pioneering programme to train farmers and their children in drone technology. This initiative, launched on World Youth Skills Day, underscores the state government’s commitment to equipping the farming community with cutting-edge skills to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Established under legislation by the Gujarat assembly, Kaushalya Skill University has already developed and manufactured 100 drones at its state-of-the-art Drone Mantra Lab. These drones will play a crucial role in training sessions designed to familiarize participants with drone operations. According to an official statement, drone pilot training will commence shortly at 19 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Gujarat. Currently, a Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) is operational in Kalol under the university’s auspices, with plans underway to establish an additional RPTO at the Shilaj campus to cater to future demand.
“The training programme aims to democratize access to drone technology by offering it at a nominal fee of Rs 1,200, significantly lower than the market rate of ₹50,000 to ₹60,000,” the statement highlighted. This cost-effective approach is expected to empower farmers and their children, enabling them to leverage drones for agricultural activities such as chemical fertilization and pesticide spraying. Traditional farming methods, reliant on manual labour and pump-based spraying, often pose health risks to farmers and lead to inefficient use of resources. In contrast, drone technology promises precise application of fertilizers and pesticides, reducing wastage and environmental impact while optimizing crop yields. The initiative comes at a critical juncture when there is a growing demand within the agriculture sector for sustainable and technologically advanced solutions. By embracing drone-based agricultural practices, Gujarat aims to not only enhance productivity but also promote environmental stewardship among its farming communities. Experts foresee this initiative as a potential game-changer for Gujarat’s agricultural landscape, paving the way for innovative farming techniques that align with global sustainability goals. As the state embarks on this transformative journey, stakeholders anticipate significant socio-economic benefits, including improved livelihoods and enhanced agricultural resilience in the face of evolving climatic conditions.
