Surat, April 25 – In a remarkable example of rural transformation through technology, Pailaben Patel from Eshanpur village in Olpad taluka, Surat district, has emerged as a symbol of women's empowerment in Gujarat. Her journey reflects the success of the state government’s continuous efforts under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership and inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision through the “Namo Drone Didi Yojana.”
Coming from a farming family, Pailaben initially pursued a diploma in Commercial Practice from the Girls’ Polytechnic College in Athwalines, Surat. She then worked in the accounts department of a private company, earning a monthly salary of ₹12,000. However, driven by the desire to chart a new path, she left her job and entered the world of technology as a drone operator.
In 2023, Pailaben underwent a 15-day intensive training program in Pune, where she learned drone operation, technical skills, and regulatory protocols. After successfully clearing an interview and written examination organized by IFFCO, she received government-supported equipment worth ₹15.30 lakh, including a medium-sized drone, an electric vehicle tempo, and a generator.
Upon completing her training, Pailaben began providing pesticide spraying services using drones across more than 36 villages in Olpad taluka. Within just two years, she earned over ₹5.50 lakh, significantly surpassing her previous income from her office job. As per agency report, her success showcases the transformative potential of integrating technology into traditional farming practices.
Pailaben explains that operating a drone requires precision and responsibility. By feeding field maps into the drone and calibrating the compass, she ensures efficient spraying operations. She highlights that drone spraying saves time, pesticides, and water, enhancing field productivity, particularly in tall crops like sugarcane, where an acre can be covered in just seven minutes.
Today, Pailaben is widely recognized across villages in Olpad, regularly receiving new service requests. Balancing her household responsibilities, including caring for her husband and four-year-old daughter, she demonstrates how dedication and technology can coexist harmoniously in rural life.
Her efforts have not only transformed her own life but have also inspired many other women in her community to dream bigger. Pailaben Patel stands as a pioneering ‘Drone Didi,’ creating a new chapter in agricultural innovation and strengthening Gujarat’s rural development journey with her remarkable achievements.
