Mahindra & Mahindra Collaborates with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) for Drone Didi Yojana

Key Highlights

• Mahindra & MSDE team up for Drone Didi Yojana.
• Aim: Train 15,000 women as drone pilots.
• Curriculum approved by DGCA.
• Mahindra provides support: machinery, trainers, and costs.
• Future plans: Scaling up nationwide, extending training centers.

In a transformative collaboration, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., a leader in Farm Equipment and the world's largest tractor manufacturer, has joined forces with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to embark on a pioneering initiative: the Drone Didi Yojana. This ambitious project aims to equip 15,000 women with the skills to operate drones for agricultural purposes, signaling a new era of empowerment and technological innovation in farming communities across India.

Partnership Overview

The partnership between Mahindra & Mahindra and MSDE requires the implementation of two pilot programs under the Drone Didi Yojana. These pilot initiatives will train a total of 500 women, with each batch comprising 20 participants, at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) situated in Hyderabad and Noida. The curriculum, carefully crafted and spanning 15 days, has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and will be delivered by expert instructors from Remote Pilot Training Organisations (RPTOs).

Voices from the Initiative

Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & Managing Director of Mahindra Group, voiced his excitement about the initiative, emphasizing its resonance with the company's ethos of empowerment. He highlighted the significance of integrating women into the agricultural sector and leveraging technology to drive progress and sustainability.

Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, commended the partnership with Mahindra & Mahindra, underscoring its pivotal role in upskilling women for nation-building. He expressed confidence in the program's ability to empower women with the essential skills to make meaningful contributions to India's socio-economic landscape.

Program Implementation

The implementation of the pilot programs will support the existing infrastructure of NSTIs, ensuring seamless execution and accessibility for participants. To facilitate participation, hostel facilities will be provided, and local Women Self Help Groups and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) will be engaged in mobilization efforts. Mahindra Group will play a pivotal role by providing essential support, including simulation machinery, drones, and trainers, and covering operating costs throughout the duration of the projects.

Scaling Up and Expansion

The insights obtained from the pilot projects will serve as a blueprint for scaling up the Drone Didi Yojana, with plans to replicate the initiative across identified NSTIs/ITIs nationwide. Furthermore, Mahindra intends to extend drone training opportunities for women beyond the pilot locations to its skilling centers in Zaheerabad, Telangana, and Nagpur, Maharashtra, thereby extending the reach and impact of the program.

Embracing Innovation for Sustainable Agriculture

The partnership between Mahindra & Mahindra and MSDE symbolizes a significant step towards gender inclusivity in agriculture and underscores the transformative potential of technology in fostering sustainable farming practices. By empowering women with drone piloting skills, this initiative not only opens doors to new livelihood opportunities but also propels India towards a future where innovation and empowerment converge to drive holistic progress.

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CMV360 Says

The collaboration between Mahindra & Mahindra and MSDE for the Drone Didi Yojana represents a pivotal step towards empowering women and revolutionizing agriculture through technology. With plans to train 15,000 women as drone pilots, this initiative promises to create new avenues for livelihood and foster sustainable farming practices. By harnessing the power of innovation and inclusivity, this partnership aims to propel India towards a future of equitable growth and prosperity.