Indian Women Pilot Farm Drones, Earning a Living and Some Independence
A group of women in rural India has discovered an innovative way to earn an income and gain independence through operating farm drones for agricultural services. The "Drone Sisters" initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in 2023, aims to empower women-led self-help groups with drones to enhance agricultural efficiency. By equipping them with industrial-sized drones, the program has enabled rural women to earn up to $52 per day.
- This initiative highlights the potential for technology to address socio-economic disparities faced by rural women in India, providing them with a means of economic empowerment and social recognition.
- As the use of drones becomes more widespread in agriculture, how will governments balance the need for innovation with concerns over environmental impact and labor rights?