MIT Professor Applauds India’s ‘Drone Didi’ Initiative
Professor Jonathan Fleming from the MIT Sloan School of Management commended the Indian government’s efforts in empowering women through technology during his visit to the ICAR Pusa campus in New Delhi. Engaging with the Namo Drone Didi, he expressed admiration for how this initiative not only benefits rural women in India but also serves as a model for similar programs worldwide. The professor highlighted the transformative impact of drone technology on agricultural practices and women’s livelihoods.
Empowering Women Through Technology
During his interaction with the Namo Drone Didis, Professor Fleming learned about the significant strides made by the Indian government to enable women to utilize drone technology. The Drone Didis shared their experiences, explaining how the use of drones has revolutionized the way they spray fertilizers and pesticides in dense crops, a task that was previously challenging when done manually. They expressed pride in their new roles and noted that their financial situations have improved markedly since becoming Drone Didis. The women credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership and the introduction of this empowering scheme.
Showcasing Technological Advancements
Professor Fleming also visited the Drone Robotic and Machine Learning Centre at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IRAI), where he was introduced to various drones developed by the institute. Dr. Ravi Sahoo, a principal scientist at IRAI, provided insights into India’s journey with drone technology and its integration of traditional agricultural knowledge with modern innovations. The professor found the advancements particularly noteworthy, stating that India is not only transforming its agricultural practices but is also making significant investments in the future of farming.
Live Demonstrations and Insights
Mr. Raman Wadhwa, Deputy Director of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, briefed Professor Fleming on the Namo Drone Didi scheme. The visit included a live demonstration by four Drone Didis—Ms. Gita, Ms. Sita, Ms. Priyanka, and Ms. Hemlata—who showcased their drone spraying techniques in the fields of the IARI campus. After witnessing the demonstration, Professor Fleming remarked on the stark contrast between the gender distribution of beneficiaries in the U.S. and India. He noted that while 100% of drone incentive scheme beneficiaries in the U.S. are men, India’s initiative is uniquely empowering women, providing a powerful example of gender-focused technological advancement.
Acknowledging Collaborative Efforts
Dr. Rajeev Ranjan, Senior Scientist at the Division of Agricultural Physics, along with his team, and officials from various agricultural ministries and state livelihood missions, were present during the professor’s visit. Their collaboration highlights the collective effort to enhance agricultural practices through technology while uplifting women’s roles in the sector. Professor Fleming concluded his visit with a commitment to share the positive experiences and insights gained from India’s innovative approach to women’s empowerment through technology.
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