Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Farmers in Madhya Pradesh are looking to become drone pilots to enhance their farming practices with technology. This innovative approach arose during a meeting between sugarcane growers and government officials, showcasing the farmers’ enthusiasm for adopting modern methods, reports The Times of India.
The government was already considering a drone-assisted farming scheme, and the farmers’ interests aligned well with this initiative. Around 120 farmers have submitted applications to the Madhya Pradesh government’s directorate of agriculture engineering, seeking permission to use drones. The government is reviewing these applications to identify farmers who already possess drone licenses from the Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA). If a farmer has a valid license, they will be granted immediate approval for drone usage.
To facilitate this transition, the government plans to subsidize the purchase of drones in line with central government norms, along with covering the training expenses.
Pawan Singh Shyam, the joint director of the Directorate of agriculture engineering, explained the criteria for drone usage in agriculture. Farmers purchasing drones should hold a drone pilot license from DGCA and possess a valid passport. The Directorate has an agreement with Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Academy, Amethi, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, to provide training to farmers.
