To streamline the agriculture sector in the state, farmers and their children are set to receive skill training in flying drones at a minimal charge.

The programme offers drone pilot training for ₹1,200 to those associated with farming, much less than the general fees that ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹60,000.

Drone-based chemical fertilisers and pesticide spraying have been prevalent in the agri sector in modern times, as the traditional pump-based methods proved to adversely impact farmers’ health. The new technology also offers efficiency in the business.

The state is eyeing to offer these training programmes through the Kaushalya Skill University, Ahmedabad. For which an RTPO (Remote Pilot Training Organisation) operates in Kalol, and is setting up another in Ahmedabad’s Shilaj. Additionally, the state plans to come up with 19 more Industrial Training Institutes.

Currently, the university offers certificate courses to PhD, across six faculties.

The ‘Drone Mantra Lab’ at Kaushalya University has produced around 100 small drones, known as ‘Kaushalya Drones’ till now, which will be used to extend drone pilot training facilities to other districts within the state.