The Cornell Sathguru Foundation for Development, an NGO working for sustainable agriculture in Telangana, has conducted several trainings in agriculture and agri value chains to improve youth participation in agriculture and sustainable livelihoods. In the past, CSFD, with the technical support of PJTSAU, has skilled farmers in modern agriculture, vermicomposting, sericulture, apiculture, sheep and goat rearing, etc.
Given the importance of drones and their prospects in improving livelihoods, CSFD, with the financial support of NABARD and technical support from NIPHM, has initiated a project to train FPO leaders in DGCA-certified remote drone pilot training in agriculture. FPO leaders across Telangana are participating in a 12-day training program. The training will be conducted in two batches at NIPHM, Hyderabad, from May 14 to June 1st. After completion of the training, FPOs will be nurtured to establish custom hiring Centers in their respective mandals/districts and promote the use of drones in neighboring villages to enhance agricultural practices and profitability.
The main objective of this training is to address the challenges farmers face due to changes in climate and agriculture, such as heavy rainfalls, low rainfalls, use of fertilizers, and infestation of pests, water scarcity, and labor problems. As the agricultural sector is encountering increasing challenges, drones are seen as a modern innovation that can significantly improve farming practices. Drone technology can help in reducing the use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, as well as overcoming labor problems.
Smt. Swati Tiwari, Deputy General Manager, NABARD said that every candidate should be thoroughly aware of drones in this training. And after the training, she wanted the FPO to purchase a drone and use it for the benefit of their FPO and candidates in the FPO.
Dr. Sagar Hanuman Singh, Director General of NIPHM, expressed satisfaction with the participants’ interest in learning about drone technology. He informed that the use of drones in agriculture is just beginning, and in the coming days, drones will bring innovative changes to agriculture. Getting training on these drones in the beginning will be very useful for you.
Dr. Kalpana Sastry Managing Director of Ag-Hub emphasized the positive impact of drones on the environment and their potential to bring about significant changes in agriculture, making them valuable for farmers.
Ms. Raja Rajeswari, Associate Vice President of CSFD, thanked NABARD for the financial support and NIPHM for their technical assistance. She expressed her satisfaction in training the young farmers and emphasized the importance of mutual assistance and cooperation to advance the agricultural sector in the country.
Dr. Vidhu Kampurath, Joint Director of NIPHM, stated that the CSFD initiated this training in partnership with NABARD after six months of hard work. He expressed his wishes for all candidates to successfully complete the training and become certified drone pilots.
Maruth Drone company representatives stated that agriculture drones will bring significant advancements in agriculture, and the world will look to drone technology in the coming days.
Participants expressed their eagerness to apply the knowledge gained from the training in their respective FPOs.
Attendees of the event – Dr. Sagar Hanuman Singh – Director General NIPHM, Ms. Swati Tiwari – DGM – NABARD, Dr. Kalpana Shastry – MD – Agri Hub, Dr. Vidhu Kampurath – Joint Director – NIPHM, Ms. Raja Rajeshwari – AVP – Cornell Sathguru Foundation and 24 participants from various districts of Telangana.
