The Kudumbashree Mission, in collaboration with Mahatma Gandhi University’s School of Environmental Sciences, will train its members to leverage drone technology in agriculture. Earlier, a drone training programme was organised for select Kudumbashree members across all districts in the state under the central government’s Drone Didi programme. This new initiative aims to enhance knowledge and skills in drone technology, including operation, maintenance, and repair.

Drones can be utilised for various agricultural tasks, such as sowing rice seeds, fertilisation, and crop diagnosis. The Kudumbashree Mission envisions that women members acquiring expertise in this field will revolutionise the agricultural sector. Mahatma Gandhi University is the only University in the state offering 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.

The workshop will be inaugurated by Prof. Beena Mathew, in charge of the Vice Chancellor. Dr. Mahesh Mohan, Head of the Department, will preside over the function. Dr. S. Shanavas, Kudumbashree State Programme Officer, will deliver a presentation on the project.

Kudumbashree District Mission Coordinator Abhilash K. Diwakar will deliver the keynote address. Other esteemed speakers include 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.

The programme will be attended by women who have already undergone drone training in various districts, along with members of the mechanised training team. To promote hands-on understanding, an awareness and demonstration session on drone operation and repair has been organised in conjunction with the event.