Gujarat Offers Affordable Drone Training for Farmers at Rs 1200

Kaushalya Skill University to train farmers and sons as drone pilots, boosting agricultural efficiency.

Gandhinagar - In celebration of World Youth Skills Day, Kaushalya Skill University in Gujarat has launched a significant initiative to provide affordable drone pilot training to farmers and their sons for just Rs 1200. This effort aims to enhance agricultural practices and ensure the safety and efficiency of pesticide and fertilizer application.

Kaushalya Skill University, established to promote 'education with skill' and create employment opportunities for the youth of Gujarat, has initiated the Remote Pilot Training Organization (RTPO) in Kalol. To meet the increasing demand for drone pilot training, a new RTPO will soon start operations at Sheelj Campus. Additionally, plans are underway to begin training in 19 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state.

Typically costing between Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 in the private sector, this drone pilot training will now be accessible at a nominal fee of Rs 1200. The training is crucial as drones are increasingly used for spraying chemical fertilizers and pesticides, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional pump spraying methods. Drones ensure precise application, saving resources and boosting crop yields.

The university's Drone Mantra Lab in Ahmedabad, which has received a type certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is the first in the country to achieve this milestone. The lab has already manufactured 100 small-category drones, named 'Kaushalya Drone,' at its Raipur, Ahmedabad facility.

These drones will be instrumental in expanding the university's drone pilot training programs to other districts in Gujarat. Currently, Kaushalya Skill University offers a range of courses from certificate to PhD level through six faculties, including a specialized 'School of Drone' that covers all aspects of drone technology.

By providing affordable drone pilot training, Kaushalya Skill University is not only enhancing the skillset of the local agricultural community but also contributing to the modernization and efficiency of farming practices in Gujarat.