Chennai, 06 August (H.S.): The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday announced the ‘Vetri Vaanmagal’ scheme to train women in agricultural drone operations, as part of its efforts to promote precision farming and create technology-based livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister R. Vinoth unveiled the initiative while presenting the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s first Agriculture Budget for 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly.
Under the programme, 500 eligible candidates, including 100 women, will undergo professional training in drone operations and receive assistance to obtain drone pilot licences. The State government has allocated Rs 1.50 crore for the training programme.
The training will be conducted through the Remote Pilot Training Organisation of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, providing participants with the technical skills and certification needed to operate drones professionally.
To encourage greater participation by women, the government will also provide agricultural drones at a 50 per cent subsidy to 50 trained women. An additional Rs 2.50 crore has been allocated from State funds for the subsidy component.
Vinoth said drone technology was opening up employment opportunities across several sectors, including agriculture, construction, freight transportation, surveillance and disaster management.
In agriculture, drones can be deployed for spraying fertilisers and pesticides, monitoring crops and carrying out other time-consuming farm operations. Their wider use could improve efficiency and help farmers overcome labour shortages during critical stages of cultivation.
The Minister said the initiative had added significance as the United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, highlighting the contribution of women to agriculture and food security.
The government expects the scheme to equip women with specialised technical skills and enable trained operators to provide drone-based agricultural services as an additional source of income.
The initiative is also expected to accelerate the adoption of precision farming technologies and expand access to modern agricultural services across Tamil Nadu.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
