Former Microsoft CEO and philanthropist, Bill Gates who is on his visit to India met the Drone Didi(s) of India.
During his visit to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi on March 19, 2025, he engaged with the “Drone Didis,” a group of women trained under India’s Namo Drone Didi Scheme. The visit received significant attention, with Gates sharing a video on social media that praised the women for their role in enhancing India’s agricultural sector. He noted, “These women are flying India’s agricultural productivity to new heights,” emphasizing the importance of their work in elevating both their incomes and the overall productivity of Indian agriculture.
But who are these Drone Didis? What is the Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through video conferencing on November 30, 2023. Under the Drone Didi scheme, the government spent Rs 1,261 crore. Drones were provided to 15,000 women self-help groups with that money.
The objective wass to provide these women with drones for agricultural purposes, specifically for spraying fertilizers and pesticides.
Implementation and Training
- Training Programs: Women participating in the scheme undergo a 15-day training program to become certified drone pilots. This training includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in drone operation and maintenance.
- Impact on Agriculture: By utilizing drones, these women can provide rental services to farmers, significantly reducing labor costs and improving efficiency in crop management. For instance, a drone can spray an acre of land in about seven minutes.
Marut Drones, an Indian developer of agriculture-focused UAVs, recently announced that their partnership with the Indian government to train rural women to use drones. This partnership received a special visit by Bill Gates. Gates witnessed a demonstration of flight training for rural women.
The demonstration featured rural women flying Marut AG365 Drones, a multi-utility UAV that features a six-propeller setup and a maximum 22 minute flight time. The AG365 was the first agriculture-focused drone to receive approval from the DGCA, India’s civil aviation authority.
Success Stories
- Women like Jaswinder Kaur Dhaliwal from Punjab have successfully transitioned from traditional roles to becoming drone pilots, showcasing the potential of this initiative to transform lives and communities. They are not only earning income but also contributing to modernizing agricultural practices.
- The program has also fostered a sense of community and empowerment among women, enabling them to take on leadership roles within their SHGs and engage actively in economic activities,
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