Chhattisgarh’s Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya inks MoU to promote drone use in agriculture

RAIPUR: Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to increase the utility and application of drones in agriculture.
The MoU, signed with the Catalyst Foundation, also aims to promote agricultural research, innovation, and extension. Students, youth, and farmers associated with the university will receive training in drone operation, maintenance, repair, and overhauling. The training, expected to last seven to ten days, is projected to create employment opportunities in the field of drone applications in agriculture.
The University Vice-Chancellor Dr Girish Chandel, Dr Vinay Kumar Pandey, Dean of Swami Vivekanand College of Agricultural Engineering, and Pushpraj Pandey representing the Foundation, signed the MoU.
Under the agreement, a Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) unit will be established at the College of Agricultural Engineering, following the guidelines of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Government of India. This unit will provide training and certification in drone technology and operation to students and youth in Chhattisgarh.
Vice-Chancellor Dr Chandel highlighted the increasing use of drones in agriculture, spanning from sowing seeds and spraying fertilizers and pesticides to crop monitoring. He emphasized the significant employment potential this field offers for the youth. He added that the National Education Policy encourages the integration of employment-oriented courses for students, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is also promoting certificate courses in drone technology in agricultural universities.
So far, three agricultural universities in the country have started such courses, making Indira Gandhi Agricultural University the fourth to introduce a certificate course in drone technology.
Pandey noted that while many institutions are using drones in agriculture, there is still a considerable shortage of skilled drone operators. He stated that a ten-day training program will open up new employment avenues for youth.
According to the agreement, joint training programs will be conducted with a special focus on rural youth and women. These programs will cover agricultural drone operation, training of trainers, and drone maintenance, repair, and overhauling (MRO).
The university will also enhance infrastructure and resources to support the application of drones in agricultural research, innovation, and extension. Capacity building and skill development will align with ICAR guidelines and national goals related to drone technology in agriculture.
With support from industry and domain experts associated with Catalyst Foundation, students will also receive placement assistance and opportunities for hands-on demonstrations.