UP Govt Empowers Rural Women With Tech Training For Smart Farming; 266 Certified As 'Drone Didis'

Farmers will no longer rely solely on traditional methods for spraying pesticides and fertilisers. Under the Drone Didi scheme launched by the Ministry of Cooperatives, women from rural areas are emerging as pioneers in agricultural technology.

Marking the Foundation Day of the Ministry of Cooperatives at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow on Sunday, 266 women received certificates after completing drone pilot training. These trained "Drone Didis" will now handle pesticide spraying in fields using drones—an initiative expected to boost productivity and promote rural self-reliance.

ALSO READ: UP Weather Update: Heavy Rain Likely In 9 Districts; Thunderstorms In Varanasi, Kanpur, Meerut | Check Forecast

The training was conducted by ICCMRT Lucknow, recognised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The course covered theoretical lessons, simulator practice, on-field drone operations, and maintenance skills. Among those honoured for excellence were Divya Nishad (Gorakhpur), Monika Singh (Shahjahanpur), Archana Saxena (Amroha), Purnima Sharma (Jaunpur), and Vandana Singh (Mirzapur).

Cooperative Minister JPS Rathore shared that 30 lakh new members have joined the cooperative network in Uttar Pradesh, contributing Rs 70 crore. Additionally, 6,700 M-PACS committees have been provided interest-free cash credit limits of Rs 10 lakh each to support fertiliser distribution.

He also announced the establishment of a Cooperative University in Gujarat, with which ICCMRT has signed an MoU to train youth and create employment in the cooperative sector.

Further, 106 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been opened in UP, with plans to expand across all centres to ensure affordable medicines at 80–90 per cent discounts.

Rathore also declared an increase in ICCMRT trainers’ honorarium from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.

Environment Minister Dr Arun Kumar Saxena urged people to join the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" tree plantation campaign on July 9, emphasising climate action.

ALSO READ: Maharashtra: Suspicious Boat Bearing Markings Of Another Country Spotted Off Raigad Coast; Security Heightened

Recognition was also given to M-PACS committees from Shahjahanpur, Kanpur, Etawah, Hapur, and Raebareli for their exceptional contributions. Secretaries Jaiprakash Mishra (Meerut) and Shivdutt Sharma (Gautam Buddha Nagar) were honoured for safeguarding cooperative funds.

Principal Secretary Saurabh Babu provided updates on ongoing departmental schemes in the presence of senior officials and dignitaries.