IIT Mandi to Offer Free Drone Pilot Training for Agricultural Sector

In a significant move to infuse technology into the agricultural sector, the Indian government has designated the Indian Institute of Technology-Mandi (IIT Mandi) as a key center for training approximately 100 drone pilots for use in farming. This initiative aims to leverage the potential of drones to enhance agricultural practices and efficiency.

Under this program, IIT Mandi's iHub will become the first government facility to provide a three-month residential training course designed for candidates aged above 18 and holding a Class X qualification. The training program, conducted as part of the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0, will equip candidates with essential skills in crop pesticide spraying, plant health monitoring, field condition assessment, seeding, and pollination using drones.

Furthermore, the institute will assist the candidates in obtaining a drone pilot license, as mandated by the Drone Rules 2021. Notably, the government has sanctioned 44 drone training schools, including private institutions, to offer drone training and certification. However, there has been a dearth of training specifically tailored to the agricultural sector.

As of February 9, a total of 6,443 drones were registered in India, each assigned a Unique Identification Number. Additionally, eleven manufacturers received Type Certificates for drone production. While the adoption of agricultural drones is still in its early stages in the country, the agriculture ministry is actively promoting their utilization by offering subsidies and training to farmers.

Also Read:-  Bihar Agricultural University Launches Startup Incubator to Boost Agro-Based Innovation

Addressing concerns about the potential displacement of farm laborers due to drone adoption, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, emphasized the creation of new job opportunities in the agricultural sector, including roles such as drone pilots, maintenance technicians, and data analysts.

The use of drones in agriculture is governed by the Drone (Amendment) Rules, 2022, established by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). These regulations encompass various aspects such as registration, pilot licensing, operational zones, and altitude restrictions. Additionally, the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIB&RC) has outlined guidelines for the use of drones in pesticide application.

Also Read:- UP CM Announces to Establish Agricultural University in Kushinagar

Under the regulations set by the Civil Aviation Ministry, all drones weighing over 250 grams must be registered with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and are subject to altitude limitations not exceeding 400 feet or within a 5-kilometer radius of an airport. The DGCA is also the authority responsible for issuing Remote Pilot Licenses (RPL) for drone operators, including those employed in agriculture.

Drones are only permitted to operate in designated green, yellow, or red zones, each with varying degrees of operational restrictions. Notably, areas such as prisons, military bases, and nuclear power plants have been designated as no-fly zones for drones. While the government is actively developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for drones in other agricultural applications, such as crop monitoring and irrigation management, the CIB&RC has specified that only registered pesticides can be applied using drones.

It's important to note that regulations governing drone usage in agriculture are continuously evolving to accommodate technological advancements and emerging applications, indicating the government's commitment to fostering innovation in the sector.

Also Read:- Govt of India Sets Up National Turmeric Board, Aims for $1Billion Exports by 2030