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A silent yet powerful revolution is gradually taking flight in the heart of rural India. Women, who were once confined by traditional roles, are now piloting drones across farmlands, applying fertilizers with precision, monitoring crop health, and transforming the agricultural landscape in which they grew up. This transformation is supported by the Namo Drone Didi Yojana, a visionary initiative under the Prime Minister Modi-led government’s push for tech-driven agriculture.
Famously known as ‘Drone Didis’, these women are redefining the narrative of rural empowerment. Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, the nation’s leading brand for sustainable electric mobility, provides a reliable and connected support system to these women. It bridges the gap between modern agri-tech and remote India through sustainable, electric mobility solutions.
The rise of Drone didis is a part of the government's broad-scale efforts to introduce modern drone technology into farming practices.
Under the auspices of Government of India, and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, the Namo Drone Didi program aims to provide specialized training in drone technology and enables women with advanced skills that are highly useful in modern agricultural practices, thereby saving time and reducing physical labour. Besides, they are provided with certificates that make them certified drone pilots.
More than just a tech initiative, this program is a strategic move to solve two pressing issues: improving agricultural productivity through precision farming and generating income opportunities for rural women, contributing to sustainable livelihood.
To support this initiative, Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, in collaboration with IFFCO, has deployed more than 1200 units of its flagship model, Mahindra Zor Grand, across different Indian States. It is a commercial electric cargo vehicle that meets the demands of modern commercial services cost-effectively and efficiently.
This program enables a single drone didi to cover an area of up to 5 acres of farmland. If this task were to be executed through traditional manual labour, it would around 5 labourers to cover half an acre of land. However, a Drone Didi covers a significantly larger area in the same time, along with reduced fertiliser waste and improved crop health.
Mahindra Zor Grand is extensively used to carry drones equipped with urea and fertilizer spraying mechanisms. This approach enables the drone didis to apply liquid fertilizers and pesticides with improved accuracy in targeted locations and minimize environmental impact. For many of these women, operating drones is not just a means to earn a livelihood, but a means for autonomy and gaining recognition as agri-tech entrepreneurs in their communities.
Technology is fundamentally reshaping agricultural practices in the modern age. With Indian farmland spreading across diverse terrains, traditional practices fall short in terms of efficiency and environmental care. Drones and electric vehicles (EVs) together offer a low-emission, high-precision alternative.
Mahindra LMM recognizes the growing need for eco-friendly logistics in the tough terrains of rural and semi-urban areas. It supports this agri-tech movement by deploying electric cargo vehicles like the Mahindra Zor DV and Zor DV Plus in rural zones.
With a sturdy and reliable body, the electric Mahindra Zor Grand has a peak power of 12kW and a payload capacity of almost 418 kgs. The compact design of the Mahindra Zor Grand and the Mahindra Zor Grand Plus enables the electric vehicle cargo to seamlessly navigate through narrow roads.
It provides efficient, quiet, and zero-emission transport that complements the sustainability goals of the Namo Drone Didi program. Besides, they are compatible with evolving charging setups.
These commercial EVs are used to transport drones, spraying equipment, battery packs, and safety gear across farming clusters, thus enabling Drone Didis to reach even the remotest fields.
Mahindra Last Mile Mobility’s solutions, combined with the Government of India initiatives are helping rural communities adopt smart, tech-first agricultural practices that are aligned with India’s sustainability targets. Additionally, the collaboration with Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) aims to leverage their expansive distribution network and deploy Mahindra Zor Grand EVs in reaching the farmers who lack access to technology in farming.
India’s rural transformation is fuelled not only by drones but by the spirit of women who dare to dream differently. With a drone in hand and an electric Mahindra Zor at their side, Drone Didis represent the confluence of sustainability, innovation, and empowerment.
Mahindra Last Mile Mobility enables people to rise through the power of technology and innovation. Every drone that lifts off and every Mahindra Zor that rolls out, a new future takes shape, the one where women rise as pioneers of change, redefining what’s possible for generations to come!
