Goa Elevates Agriculture: ‘Drone Didi’ Empowers Women to Pilot the Future of Farming

Goa has made a significant stride by introducing its very first agriculture drone through the ‘Drone Didi’ initiative, paving the way for tech-savvy, women-led farming. The state government is gearing up to roll out 10 more drones, empowering women farmers and revolutionizing traditional agricultural practices.  

 

Key Highlights  

 

• Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant officially launched the drone during the Kharif Mechanised Sowing of Paddy 2025, marking the dawn of a new era in precision farming.  

• The ‘Drone Didi’ initiative is part of a national program aimed at equipping 15,000 women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with drones by 2026, offering rental services for crop spraying and monitoring.  

• Women SHGs can benefit from up to 80% subsidies on drone costs, access to low-interest loans, and pilot training, which will help them enhance farm productivity and generate extra income.  

• Drones are set to optimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides, lessen environmental impact, and boost yields—while also creating fresh opportunities for women in the agri-tech sector.  

 

Outlook  

 

With more drones on the horizon, Goa is poised to become a shining example of women’s empowerment and sustainable farming, merging traditional practices with innovative technology.

 

Source: BioVoice News