The Madhya Pradesh government is using drones in agriculture and training youth to operate them as part of its efforts to modernize agriculture. In a cabinet meeting held recently, the government approved the implementation of the Skill Development Scheme in Agricultural Mechanization. Under this, drone training schools are being set up in different cities of the state so that training can be imparted in the use of modern equipment. The first drone school has opened in Gwalior. After this, drone schools are to be opened in Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur and Satna.
Over the next three years, 6,000 youths from farming families are to be trained to operate heavy farm machinery, including drones. This will help these youth in self-employment. The government has allocated an amount of about Rs 23 crore for this.
On the occasion of the inauguration of the Drone School in Gwalior, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had said, ‘The use of drones will increase in future and these schools will create new employment opportunities. Drones are being used properly in agriculture and this work has to be taken forward. The health of the farmers is at risk during the spraying of pesticides and fertilizers in the fields. Also, they are sprayed on the crops in an uneven manner. These problems can be overcome with the help of drones. Also, more spraying can be done in a very short time.
Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel said, ‘When I saw nano urea being sprayed through drones, I realized that it can be used for spraying pesticides and other works as well. This will increase productivity as well as increase the income of the farmers.
