In a first, co-op titan IFFCO launched the training of the first batch of Women drone pilots at both Gwalior and Phulpur on Tuesday. About 300 women candidates have been enrolled for the training programme, informs IFFCO MD Dr U S Awasthi through a tweet.
Awasthi recalls the Prime Minister’s speech on “Lakhapati Didi Yojna” given on the occasion of the Independence Day from Red Fort and says that the IFFCO move is aimed at precisely achieving this goal.
“A new initiative & vision by Hon’ble PM to train women-led self-help groups in operating and repairing drones. At IFFCO, we are committed to farmer and women development for the growth of country”, reads MD’s tweet.
Earlier, Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had inspected the composite IFFCO Kisan Drone arrangements including the electric vehicle in which it will carry the Agri drone. “It’s a new innovation in Agriculture aimed at moving towards Agriculture 2.0 for the benefit of farmers and better soil nutrient management for our soils”, says Awasthi.
IFFCO Chairman Dileep Sanghani had similarly inaugurated IFFCO Kisan Drone Pilot Training Program in Mysore recently in the presence of State Marketing Manager Dr. Narayanaswamy.
Interestingly, a reputed consultant, M/s Drone Federation of India has evaluated the Specifications and mentioned that the technical specifications of Agri Drones being procured by IFFCO for spray of Nano Fertilizers are in accordance with industry standards.
It is expected that one Drone would be able to cover 20 acres per day for spraying IFFCO Nano fertiliser, WSF, Bio-stimulants like Sagarika, Agro-chemicals etc. with backup.
IFFCO will also be procuring 2500 Electric Three Wheelers (loader type) under L-5 category Electric Vehicle 3 Wheelers to carry the Drones to the farmers’ field along with the Nano fertilisers and associated utilities.
In extension to this and to strengthen this nationwide campaign, IFFCO has also ordered Tractor Mounted Boom Sprayers, Tractor Mounted Hose Reel Sprayers, HTP Power Sprayers with Gun,Static/ Portable Sprayer, Niyo Sprayers for foliar application of Nano fertilisers.