Women farmers in Chhattisgarh are increasingly adopting drone technology to improve farm productivity. As a result, the state now has 4.95 lakh rural women earning Rs 1 lakh annually under the Lakhpati Didi scheme. Notably, this includes 76,084 women from marginalized groups, such as the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG).
Lakhpati Didi Scheme Shows Progress
In its first year, the Lakhpati Didi scheme has made significant strides. Specifically, the Namo Drone Didi program has been pivotal. Since its launch in December 2023, 15 women have earned Rs 1 lakh each. These women, trained in drone operations, are spraying fertilizers and pesticides, offering their drone services to other farmers and earning an additional Rs 300-500 per acre.
Drones Boost Farm Profits
Moreover, the use of drones has proven to enhance agricultural productivity. Farmers in Chhattisgarh have experienced a 15% increase in profits, thanks to the time-saving and cost-reducing benefits of drone technology. According to Narayan Prasad Sahu, a local farmer, “We saw a 15% rise in profits and higher crop yields.” Additionally, drones provide uniform fertilizer coverage, which helps prevent diseases and promotes healthier crops.
Increased Crop Yields with Drone Technology
Farmers are also witnessing an improvement in their crop yields. For instance, V Sandeep Naidu shared his success: “I harvested 30 quintals of paddy per acre, compared to 24 before.” The use of drones has been particularly effective for crops like sugarcane, millet, and sorghum, which are difficult to treat with traditional methods due to their dense growth.
Women Empowerment Through Drone Technology
Furthermore, women are earning extra income by operating drones. For example, Chandrakali Verma from Nagpura village earned Rs 1 lakh after covering drone operation costs. Similarly, Jagriti Sahu from Durg earned Rs 1 lakh after providing drone services over 500 acres of land. This reflects the growing demand for drone services in the region.
Government Support for Women Farmers
The government is actively supporting women farmers through various initiatives. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai commended these efforts, saying, “Drone operations, natural farming, and livestock management help women farmers succeed.” He emphasized that the Lakhpati Didi scheme demonstrates how technology and community support can drive economic change in rural areas.
Focus on Marginalized Communities
The Lakhpati Didi scheme has also made an impact on marginalized women. It includes 368 women from PVTGs, 1,516 disabled women, and 39,087 women who are sole breadwinners for their families. Initially, many from PVTG communities were hesitant to join, but they eventually embraced the program after seeing the tangible benefits.
Strengthening Women’s Self-Help Groups
Finally, Chhattisgarh boasts 2.5 lakh Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with nearly 28 lakh members. These groups benefit from NRLM’s support, including skill training, credit access, and market linkages. In turn, these SHGs encourage savings and internal lending, helping women reduce their dependency on banks or moneylenders.
Overall, with the support of technology and government initiatives, Chhattisgarh’s women farmers are thriving. Their success is not only transforming agriculture but also empowering rural women and fostering economic growth in the region.