Self-Help Group members pioneering agricultural innovation in India
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Charanjit Singh
Contd from previous issue
Key Strategies for implementation:
1. Converging resources and efforts: Holistic interventions converging the resources and efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Department of Fertilizers.
2. Selection criteria for implementation: Rightful selection of the area/cluster and SHG groups in rural areas under DAY – NRLM.
3. Identification of feasible clusters: Appropriate clusters where the usage of drones is economically feasible will be identified.
4. Selection of women SHGs: Progressive women SHGs under DAY – NRLM in the identified clusters will be selected for providing drones.
5. Training for SHG members: One qualified member from the women SHGs will undergo a 15-day training program. This includes a mandatory 5-day drone pilot training and an additional 10 days of training for agriculture purposes such as nutrient and pesticide application.
These trainings shall be provided as a package (along with the supply of drones) and shall be conducted at Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The training shall cover drone flying, understanding provisions of Drone Rules, SOPs for nutrient and pesticide application, drone flying practice and minor repair and maintenance of Drones.
The training for agriculture purpose shall be conducted by a team consisting of drone manufac- turers, experts from Central/State Institutes like SAUs, KVKs, ICAR institutes etc.
6. Financial assistance and loan provision: Financial assistance and loans will be provided to the identified SHGs under DAY – NRLM for the purchase of drones.
7. Facilitation by Lead Fertilizer Companies : LFCs will act as intermediaries between drone manufacturing companies and SHGs. They will procure drones and transfer ownership to SHGs through MoUs with Cluster Level Federation (CLF).
8. Collaboration with drone supplier companies: Lead Fertilizer Companies will sign MoUs with drone supplier companies for repair and maintenance services.
9. Promotion of nanofertilizers: LFCs will promote the use of Nano Fertilizers by drones with SHGs.
Way Forward: The future prospects of drone technology are vast and promising, especially in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, and public safety. In addition to precision agriculture, drones can be useful in livestock monitoring, disaster response and relief, medical supply delivery, especially in remote or inaccessible areas, monitor forest cover, wildlife habitats, and water bodies, aiding in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. By embracing drone technology and leveraging it for various applications, women in rural India can enhance their livelihoods, contribute to community development, and participate more actively in the socio-economic growth of their regions. Access to training, resources, and supportive policies will be crucial in enabling women to harness the full potential of drones for their benefit and that of their communities.
Charanjit Singh is Addl Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development and Gajanan Rauta, Programme Officer, Trans- form Rural India Foundation (TRIF) PIB Imphal
Contd from previous issue
Key Strategies for implementation:
1. Converging resources and efforts: Holistic interventions converging the resources and efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture and farmers Welfare, Rural Development and Department of Fertilizers.
2. Selection criteria for implementation: Rightful selection of the area/cluster and SHG groups in rural areas under DAY – NRLM.
3. Identification of feasible clusters: Appropriate clusters where the usage of drones is economically feasible will be identified.
4. Selection of women SHGs: Progressive women SHGs under DAY – NRLM in the identified clusters will be selected for providing drones.
5. Training for SHG members: One qualified member from the women SHGs will undergo a 15-day training program. This includes a mandatory 5-day drone pilot training and an additional 10 days of training for agriculture purposes such as nutrient and pesticide application.
These trainings shall be provided as a package (along with the supply of drones) and shall be conducted at Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The training shall cover drone flying, understanding provisions of Drone Rules, SOPs for nutrient and pesticide application, drone flying practice and minor repair and maintenance of Drones.
The training for agriculture purpose shall be conducted by a team consisting of drone manufac- turers, experts from Central/State Institutes like SAUs, KVKs, ICAR institutes etc.
6. Financial assistance and loan provision: Financial assistance and loans will be provided to the identified SHGs under DAY – NRLM for the purchase of drones.
7. Facilitation by Lead Fertilizer Companies : LFCs will act as intermediaries between drone manufacturing companies and SHGs. They will procure drones and transfer ownership to SHGs through MoUs with Cluster Level Federation (CLF).
8. Collaboration with drone supplier companies: Lead Fertilizer Companies will sign MoUs with drone supplier companies for repair and maintenance services.
9. Promotion of nanofertilizers: LFCs will promote the use of Nano Fertilizers by drones with SHGs.
Way Forward: The future prospects of drone technology are vast and promising, especially in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, and public safety. In addition to precision agriculture, drones can be useful in livestock monitoring, disaster response and relief, medical supply delivery, especially in remote or inaccessible areas, monitor forest cover, wildlife habitats, and water bodies, aiding in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management. By embracing drone technology and leveraging it for various applications, women in rural India can enhance their livelihoods, contribute to community development, and participate more actively in the socio-economic growth of their regions. Access to training, resources, and supportive policies will be crucial in enabling women to harness the full potential of drones for their benefit and that of their communities.
Charanjit Singh is Addl Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development and Gajanan Rauta, Programme Officer, Trans- form Rural India Foundation (TRIF) PIB Imphal