Mahindra & Mahindra Sign MoU with MSDE for ‘Drone Didi’ Pilot Project

In a significant step towards empowering women in emerging technology sectors, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd to conduct two Pilot Projects under the Drone Didi Yojana. The event, attended by Secretary Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, and Group CEO & MD of Mahindra Group Dr. Anish Shah, marks a crucial collaboration aimed at creating new livelihood opportunities for women in agriculture through drone technology.

Drone Didi Mission

Launched earlier this year, the Drone Didi Yojana aims to train 15,000 women to operate drones for various agricultural purposes, including fertilizing crops, monitoring crop growth, and planting seeds. By imparting skills in new technology areas, the scheme seeks to empower women and enable their participation in the workforce, thereby contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.

Pioneering Projects in Noida and Hyderabad under Dron Didi Yojna

The pilot projects under the Drone Didi Yojana are slated to equip 500 rural women farmers with the expertise to operate drones effectively for agricultural purposes. These projects will be hosted at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) facilities in Noida and Hyderabad. Leveraging Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.’s extensive experience in the agriculture sector, the training will encompass essential skills such as drone operation, data analysis, and maintenance.

Strategic Partnership for Comprehensive Training

Speaking at the event, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari highlighted the agricultural expertise of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and emphasized how it will be leveraged through comprehensive training under the Drone Didi program. He announced that two centers of the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) located in Hyderabad and Noida have been selected for the Pilot Projects, with a focus on empowering rural women in agriculture. This collaboration underscores the Ministry’s vision of equipping women with the skills necessary for nation-building.

Empowering Through Collaboration

Shri Tiwari emphasized that this partnership with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd represents the beginning of many collaborative projects aimed at upskilling women. Through rigorous training methodologies and hands-on learning experiences, the initiative aims to equip women with practical skills and competencies required to excel in their chosen fields and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s socio-economic growth.

Commitment to Empowerment and Innovation

Dr. Anish Shah reiterated Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd’s commitment to empowering women with the skills needed to join the workforce and achieve financial independence. He emphasized that the Pilot Projects under the Drone Didi Yojana represent a pioneering convergence of women, farming, and technology, aligning with the company’s Rise philosophy.

Supporting Infrastructure and Training

Mahindra Group will provide initial set-up support, including simulation machinery/drones, simulator controllers, desktop computers, and trainers, along with meeting the operating costs for the duration of the Pilot Projects. NSTIs will facilitate infrastructure for running the training programs, hostel facilities for participants, and mobilize participation through local Women Self Help Groups and NGOs.

Future Expansion and Rollout

As part of their commitment to the Drone Didi Yojana, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd will soon introduce drone training for women at their skilling centers in Zaheerabad, Telangana, and Nagpur, Maharashtra, further bolstering the initiative’s reach and impact.