Lucknow: Drone technology has brought about a transformative change in the cooperative sector, not only across India but also in Uttar Pradesh. To empower rural women and provide them with employment opportunities, the first phase of a comprehensive 15-day drone pilot training program was launched today. The program aims to train women, specifically from rural backgrounds, as “Drone Didi” pilots, marking the beginning of a significant shift in the state’s cooperative sector.
Minister of State for Cooperation (Independent Charge), J.P.S. Rathore, inaugurated the drone training program at the ICCMRT (Indian Institute of Cooperative Management, Research and Training) in Lucknow. He emphasized the crucial role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in promoting drone pilot training and the utilization of drones in agriculture. The Uttar Pradesh government is committed to realizing these aspirations and empowering citizens with the latest technological advancements, particularly in the cooperative sector.
Drone Technology: A Game Changer for Agriculture and Cooperatives
Rathore explained that drones offer vast potential in the cooperative sector, particularly in areas such as land surveying, crop monitoring, fertilizer distribution, and disaster management. Drone technology can make cooperative operations more transparent and efficient, saving both time and resources while enhancing productivity.
He further added that under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, the state government is providing technical training to youth, opening new employment avenues. The drone pilot training program will not only equip young people with essential technological skills but also enable them to contribute significantly to both the cooperative and agricultural sectors.
Empowering Rural Women: A Step Towards Gender Equality
In the first training session, 60 rural women from the districts of Shahjahanpur, Ghaziabad, Amroha, and Jaunpur will receive free 15-day training to become certified female drone pilots. This initiative will provide hands-on knowledge of drone operations and its applications, contributing to women’s empowerment in traditionally male-dominated fields. The training will be complemented with accommodation and meals, ensuring a holistic learning experience.
In line with the state government’s efforts to enhance technical skills among youth, Shri Rathore also highlighted that the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme is providing 50 students enrolled in MBA programs with tablets, further boosting their digital learning and skills development.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure for Quality Training
During the event, Shri Saurabh Babu, Principal Secretary of Cooperation, emphasized the importance of providing quality training in drone technology to enable the agriculture sector to reap greater benefits. He encouraged the training institute to not only focus on drone operations but also provide detailed information on the equipment used.
The Director of ICCMRT, Rajeev Yadav, welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude for the support provided. He pointed out that this drone training program would create new job opportunities for women, opening doors for them in various sectors, particularly in agriculture. He added that the institute aims to establish new milestones with this initiative.
Revamping Infrastructure for a Better Learning Experience
On this occasion, the Commissioner and Registrar of Cooperatives, Anil Kumar Singh, along with senior officials, were also present. Shri Rathore also laid the foundation stone for the renovation of classrooms, labs, and hostels at ICCMRT, further reinforcing the state’s commitment to providing world-class educational facilities.
The launch of this training program marks a significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s journey toward integrating advanced technology into the cooperative and agricultural sectors, creating new opportunities for women and youth in rural areas, and making substantial strides in the development of the state.
