MSDE Partners with Mahindra Group for Drone Didi Yojana Pilot Projects
Launched earlier this year, the scheme aims to train 15,000 women to operate drones for agricultural purposes, including fertilizing crops, monitoring crop growth, and planting seeds, thereby creating new livelihood opportunities for women through skills development in emerging technology areas.
Shri Tiwari highlighted how Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd's agricultural expertise will be utilized through comprehensive training under this collaboration. Two centres of NSTI, located in Hyderabad and Noida, have been selected for the Pilot Projects to empower rural women in agriculture. Shri Tiwari emphasized that this partnership aligns with the mission of upskilling women for nation-building, particularly through the Drone Didi program, which empowers women in emerging trades.
Furthermore, Shri Tiwari noted that this collaboration signifies the beginning of many collaborative projects with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, building on past successful collaborations with leading technology industry partners. Through rigorous training methodologies and hands-on learning experiences, students will be equipped with practical skills and competencies required to excel in their chosen fields, contributing meaningfully to the nation's socio-economic growth.
Dr. Anish Shah expressed Mahindra & Mahindra's commitment to empowering women with the skills necessary to join the workforce and achieve financial independence, in line with the company’s Rise philosophy. He emphasized that the Pilot Projects under the Drone Didi Yojana represent a pioneering convergence of women, farming, and technology.
Under this partnership, MSDE and M&M will conduct two Pilot Projects at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) in Hyderabad and Noida, to skill 500 women in exclusive batches. The 15-day curriculum, approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), will be delivered through Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) instructors at these centres.
NSTIs will provide infrastructure and hostel facilities for participants and mobilize participation through local Women Self Help Groups and NGOs, while Mahindra Group will provide initial set-up support and meet operating costs for the duration of the Pilot Projects, including the cost of DGCA License Holder Instructors at the centres.
