Selected Kudumbashree members from various districts of Kerala spent a day exploring the applications of drone technology in their livelihoods. Although some participants already possessed basic knowledge about drones used in agriculture, the one-day workshop held at Mahatma Gandhi University significantly boosted their confidence.The workshop took place at the School of Environmental Sciences (SES) on the MGU campus, prior to the launch of a training programme jointly organised by Kudumbashree and SES for women.

A drone training programme was recently conducted for selected Kudumbashree members from all districts in the state under the Central Government’s Drone Didi Programme. This initiative aims to enhance knowledge and skills in drone technology, including operation, maintenance, and repair, as part of Kudumbashree’s Farm Livelihood Programme. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Beena Mathew, in charge of the Vice Chancellor, and presided over by Dr. Mahesh Mohan, Head of SES. Dr. S. Shanavas, Kudumbashree State Programme Officer, presented the details of the project.

Kudumbashree District Mission Coordinator Abhilash K. Diwakar delivered the keynote address. Other esteemed speakers included Prof. Baiju K.R., Dean of the School of Environmental Sciences; Anoop Chandran, Kudumbashree District Programme Manager; Dr. Ebin Varghese, Course Coordinator; Prakash B. Nair, Kudumbashree District Mission Assistant Coordinator; and Shebeena Nissar, Chairperson of the Athirampuzha CDS.

A field-level demonstration of drones for agricultural needs was held at the University stadium. Drones can be utilised for various agricultural tasks, such as sowing rice seeds, fertilisation, and crop diagnosis. Kudumbashree Mission envisions empowering women members with expertise to revolutionise the agricultural sector. Mahatma Gandhi University is the only University in the state offering specialised drone training programmes. To date, approximately 100 individuals have completed the training and obtained their pilot licences through a course initiated earlier this year by the University’s School of Environmental Sciences.