IIT Mandi iHub Shares Success of 'Drone Didi' Initiative with President Droupadi Murmu

IIT Mandi: The Drone Didi skill development program, focused on Human-Computer Interaction and operated by IIT Mandi iHub, a state-of-the-art Technology Innovation Hub, has earned significant acclaim from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) of India. Check complete details here 

IIT Mandi: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi iHub, a cutting-edge Technology Innovation Hub specialising in Human-Computer Interaction, has garnered prestigious recognition from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) of India for its Drone Didi skill development program. Mr. Somjit Amrit, CEO of IIT Mandi iHub, along with Ms. Shashi Bala, represented IIT Mandi iHub at the inauguration ceremony of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship's 'Kaushal Bhavan' in New Delhi. They had the honour of presenting the success of the initiative to the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

‘Drone Didi’ is an Entrepreneurship Development Program tailored for women in Himachal Pradesh and beyond, with a specific focus on Agri Drone Applications. The project serves not only as a skill development endeavour but also as a robust platform for women to establish businesses in the burgeoning field of drone technology.

Executed with support from the Agriculture Skill Council of India, the first batch of the Drone Didi program is currently underway, with a total of 20 female students at the IIT Mandi campus in collaboration with the Institute’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR). In addition to technical support, CAIR is also providing On-The-Job (OTJ) opportunities to the Drone Didis.

Highlighting Women's Empowerment in Agriculture through Drone Automation, President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, said, “Empowering women in the crucial realm of agriculture through the implementation of drone automation is a transformative initiative. The integration of women into this pivotal sector ensures a diversified and skilled workforce, contributing significantly to the growth and sustainability of our agricultural practices.”

As part of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0, participants in the Drone Didi program receive comprehensive training and support, including:

• Theoretical and Practical training on Drone flying leading to securing Remote Pilot Licenses
• Training on Agricultural Drone Applications like crop pesticide spraying, monitoring field conditions, plant health, seeding, and pollination
• Providing capacity building support in entrepreneurship
• Providing Mentorship support and enabling market/credit linkages

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