The Story of Varanasi’s Drone Didis

The Story of Varanasi’s Drone Didis

In the vibrant agricultural landscapes of Varanasi, a quiet revolution is underway, driven by a remarkable group of women known as the “Drone Didis.” These trailblazers are not only reshaping the agricultural scene but are also redefining what it means to be a woman in rural India, thanks to their unique ability to blend technology with traditional farming practices.

Introducing Agri-tech to Varanasi

It all began with a vision to empower women in the villages of Varanasi, and the central government’s Namo Drone Didi scheme played a crucial role in making this vision a reality. The initiative aims to provide drones to 15,000 women members of self-help groups (SHGs) across India, offering them training in using drones for spraying liquid fertilisers and pesticides. This not only contributes to the agricultural economy but also provides these women with a sustainable source of income.

The Transformation of Neetu Singh

Neetu Singh, a housewife and mother of three from Mehandi Ganj, is one of these pioneering women. Standing confidently at the edge of a wheat field, Neetu controls the drone with ease, covering an acre in just 10 minutes—a task that would otherwise take hours manually. With each flight, she earns money, supports her family, and gains a sense of self-assurance previously unimaginable.

Convincing the Skeptics

Initially met with scepticism from local farmers, as drones flying over fields were a novel concept, the Drone Didis had to work hard to prove the technology’s worth. Through demonstrations and tireless advocacy, Neetu and her colleagues gradually convinced farmers of the benefits. Today, they receive calls regularly from farmers eager to utilise their services.

A Community of Innovators

Neetu’s story is echoed by others, like Asha Devi from Harahua. Despite the challenge of smaller farms where drone services are not regularly demanded, Asha remains optimistic. She stresses the need for government campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits of drone spraying, highlighting the time-saving advantages that allow farmers to focus on other essential tasks.

Supporting Infrastructure and Future Aspirations

The success of the Drone Didis also hinges on the support provided by organisations such as Hindustan Urvarak and Rasayan Ltd (HURL) and IFFCO, which supplied drones at no cost. Their support enables women like Neetu and Asha to excel in their new roles without the burden of financial investment in this cutting-edge technology.

Building on this success, the chief development officer of Varanasi, Himanshu Nagpal, has affirmed continued efforts to economically empower more women through similar initiatives. The objective is clear: to expand this model, training more rural women in using drones and integrating modern technology to enhance agricultural productivity.

The Broader Impact: Towards a Green Revolution

The significance of the Drone Didis’ work extends beyond individual empowerment. With women at the helm of this agricultural tech movement, there is potential for a broader green revolution on the horizon. By reducing time and labour costs while increasing efficiency and yields, these women are setting a precedent for sustainable agricultural practices that could transform India’s farming future.

The Namo Drone Didi scheme hopes to generate an additional income of at least one lakh per year for each participant, offering economic stability and independence, thereby lifting entire communities from financial uncertainty.

In summary, the story of Varanasi’s Drone Didis is one of resilience, innovation, and the intersection of tradition and technology. As we look towards a future where technology becomes an integral part of everyday life in rural areas, these women are not just participants in a programme; they are pioneers leading the way for future generations. Through their remarkable journey, they offer hope and inspiration that change, no matter how unexpected, is not only possible but is often the first step towards a brighter tomorrow.