Thu Mar 06 06:42:07 UTC 2025: ## Drone Sisters Take Flight: Indian Women Find Empowerment and Income Through Agricultural Drone Operations

**NEW DELHI** – A groundbreaking initiative in India is empowering women through technology, offering them economic independence and societal respect. The “Drone Didi” or “Drone Sisters” program, launched in 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, provides women-led self-help groups with agricultural drones. The program aims to distribute 15,000 drones, with 500 already deployed as of December 2023, according to the Agriculture Ministry.

Women are now using these industrial-sized drones (25-35kg) to efficiently spray pesticides and fertilizers across fields, covering up to 10 acres per day. This work, which involves remotely piloting the drones and loading chemical canisters, yields an income of up to 4,500 rupees ($52) per day.

For women previously confined to home duties, the program has been transformative. Rupinder Kaur of Punjab, a participant since 2024, highlighted the increased respect she now commands within her community and family. “This work has increased respect for us in society and in the home and family,” she told Reuters.

The initiative not only benefits the women involved but also improves farming efficiency. Farmers report significant time savings, elimination of manual labor needs, and reduced risk of encountering dangerous wildlife in the fields. Rajbir Kaur, another drone pilot, emphasized the positive impact on her family: “Our house runs well from the earnings… I can give myself and my children a good education and a good career.” The Drone Sisters program is proving to be a powerful tool for both economic empowerment and agricultural modernization in India.

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