Mahindra and IFFCO support ‘Drone Didis’ agri-tech initiative with EV deployment in rural India • EVreporter

A government-supported initiative in India is training rural women, referred to as ‘Drone Didis’, to operate drones for agricultural input application. Backed by the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, which aims to support the economic advancement of women through self-help groups, the training enables women to become certified drone pilots, allowing them to provide services to farmers in their communities. These women are part of a broader effort to introduce drone technology into farming practices with the aim of improving the application of inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates highlighted this initiative on LinkedIn as ‘Drone Didis Are Taking Flight,’ noting its integration of technology and rural workforce development. The initiative is part of several efforts aimed at modernizing agriculture in India through mechanization and digital tools.

In support of this initiative, Mahindra, in collaboration with the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), has deployed 1,261 Zor Grand electric vehicles across Indian states. These EVs function as carriers for drones used in precision fertiliser and urea spraying under the NAMO Drone Didi initiative, a project supported by the Government of India.

Agricultural drones are being used to spray inputs across farmland, potentially saving time and reducing physical labor. The program is supported by local organizations and institutions that provide equipment, training, and operational guidance.

The deployment leverages IFFCO’s distribution network to facilitate access to fertiliser application in areas where farmers previously had limited reach. The integration of electric vehicles and drone technology allows farmers to apply inputs across their fields, supported by data analytics that estimate coverage areas.

Key features include:

• Drone Transport: The Zor Grand EVs are used to carry drones equipped with fertiliser and urea spraying units.

• Technology Integration: The vehicles support drone-based fertiliser application, contributing to input management and reducing manual workload.

• Operational Efficiency: The EV design supports extended fieldwork with reduced physical strain on operators.

• Input Management: The use of drones enables more targeted application of inputs, potentially lowering material use and soil exposure.

• Access in Rural Areas: The compact dimensions of the vehicles allow movement through narrow rural roads.

• Employment: The initiative has facilitated opportunities for Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), including both men and women.

• Charging Infrastructure: The vehicles are compatible with available charging setups, supported by electricity subsidies in some areas.

• Emissions: The electric vehicles operate without tailpipe emissions.

The use case was developed collaboratively by IFFCO, farmers, and Mahindra’s engineering team. The vehicle design includes storage provisions for drones and associated tools such as generators, spare batteries, water cans, diesel cans, and spray containers. The initiative is positioned to support farm operations with an emphasis on mechanised input delivery.

Also read: Mahindra Electric launches new electric 3-wheeler ‘Zor Grand’ starting at INR 3.6 lakh, ex-showroom Bengaluru