On July 31, 2024, Krishi Viman, a cutting-edge smart and precision agritech start-up, and Krishi Jagran, a pioneer in agricultural media, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Krishi Jagran’s head office in New Delhi. This landmark agreement aims to bring advanced technology, particularly drone technology, to farmers at the grassroots level.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Shankar Goenka, MD of WOW Go Green & Krishi Viman, emphasized the transformative potential of drones in agriculture and highlighted the Drone Didi Scheme's impact, which aims to empower women in the sector. Dr. Goenka from WOW GO Green LLP expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Goenka said, “I am thankful to Dominic Sir and the entire Krishi Jagran team for their wonderful work for the farming community.”
Dr. Goenka elaborated on the benefits of drone technology, including reduced water usage due to the drone’s efficient spraying system, decreased time consumption, reduced need for pesticides, improved yield, and enhanced photosynthesis. He also touched upon three major social benefits of using drone technology: reducing the risk of snake bites for farmers, minimizing pesticide inhalation, and addressing the issue of rural youth migration.
“We are working on an entrepreneurial model. We train young entrepreneurs from village levels, provide them with drones, and they only need to invest 10 percent of the cost. The remaining 90 percent is subsidized at a rate of 6 percent through various schemes. This allows them to offer spraying services within their own villages,” Dr. Goenka explained
Dr. Goenka also praised the Prime Minister for initiating the Drone Didi programme, which aims to empower women to become self-sustaining by earning money through drone operations. The government has allocated a budget of INR 1,250 crore to distribute drones.
MC Dominic, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Krishi Jagran & Agriculture World, stated, “We’re happy to have an agreement with Krishi Viman and let every farmer enjoy the benefits of technology and advanced farm machinery. Together with this partnership, I’m very confident the drone industry will see a huge change with our huge network in rural regions.”
