Even before the Centre announced the “Drone Didi Scheme,” Linta Shelke had been working in the drone space. Shelke describes her journey as a back-breaking process that includes taking care of her three-year-old boy and stepping out of the boundaries of household chores. She is now known as Maharashtra’s first female drone pilot and India’s second.
Journey of Becoming Maharashtra’s First Female Drone Pilot
At first, flying a drone seemed difficult, but Shelke says agri-tech startup, Salam Kisan, supported her throughout the process. The company let her carry her son to the training, making her life easy. She now inspires not only women in Maharashtra but also across India. “Women should be stubborn to learn something new, and if they can fly planes today, why not drones,” she says.
About Salam Kisan
Founded by 21-year-old Dhanashri Mandhani, Salam Kisan is an artificial intelligence-powered agri-tech startup that provides various services to farmers such as AI-crop advisory, soil testing, crop calendar, storage facilities, and drone spraying services. Moreover, the start-up has an established marketplace with over 200 products from seeds to fertilizers.
Earning Through Drone Training
Salam Kisan provides drones to farmers on a rental basis where they are paid Rs 550 per acre. Drones in the agriculture sector are used for sprinkling water and pesticides over farmlands. As per some drone pilots that Krishi Jagran interviewed, this drone service has reduced water usage and has saved them money. For instance, with only 10 liters of water and a liter of crop protection chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides, one can cover large parts of farmlands, when compared to doing it manually. Moreover, it saves a lot of time.
Government Initiative
The NaMo Drone Didi Scheme was launched by the Government of India last year, aiming to train 15,000 women who are a part of the self-help groups in rural areas to operate drones. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this scheme on Independence Day, under the flagship Lakhpati Didis, to empower women in rural areas, and boost the rural economy.
Shelke’s Advice to All Women
Shelke guides women to take challenges in life irrespective of any personal issues. “A woman’s life changes drastically post-marriage. Hence, I encourage young women to not waste their education and skills,” she says.
