The National Council for Cooperative Training (NCCT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AVPL International to introduce structured drone training programs for cooperative members across the country.
With the Ministry of Cooperation assigning 54 new business activities to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), the need for technology-driven capacity building at the grassroots has become more urgent than ever. Among these emerging roles, ranging from agri-input distribution and storage to rural service delivery and digital facilitation, drone-based agricultural services are fast emerging as a transformative opportunity.
The agreement, signed in New Delhi under the guidance of the Ministry of Cooperation, aims to equip PACS with certified drone pilots and technical operators capable of delivering precision agriculture services. As PACS expand into multiple economic and service-oriented roles, integrating drone technology is seen as a practical step to improve farm productivity, reduce input costs and create sustainable income streams.
Over 63,000 PACS form the backbone of India’s rural cooperative credit system. Traditionally engaged in short-term agricultural lending and input distribution, these societies are now being repositioned as multipurpose rural service centres.
The Ministry’s reform push includes computerisation of PACS, diversification into storage and processing, and alignment with national missions such as natural farming and crop insurance. In this evolving ecosystem, drone services can help PACS transition from being credit providers to technology-enabled agri-service hubs.
Under the MoU, AVPL International will conduct training programmes approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), ensuring standardized certification for cooperative trainees.
The courses will cover drone operations, safety compliance, aerial spraying techniques, crop monitoring, mapping, and basic maintenance. By securing DGCA-recognised certification, trainees will be eligible to operate drones commercially, opening avenues for service-based revenue generation at the village level.
The demand for drone services in agriculture has grown significantly following policy support that permits their use for pesticide spraying, nutrient application, and crop assessment. Precision spraying reduces chemical usage, saves water, and improves efficiency, particularly in large or difficult terrains. For small and marginal farmers, accessing such services through their local PACS could make advanced technology affordable and accessible.
NCCT, as the apex training body for the cooperative sector, brings institutional expertise in human resource development and cooperative education. It operates through a network of regional and state-level cooperative management institutes, conducting thousands of training programmes annually for cooperative personnel. By integrating drone training into its curriculum, NCCT is extending its mandate from conventional cooperative management to advanced technological skill development.
AVPL International, meanwhile, has established itself as a key player in India’s agricultural drone ecosystem. The company has developed indigenous unmanned aerial systems for farming applications and runs multiple DGCA-approved training centres. Its outreach model emphasizes rural entrepreneurship, aiming to create village-level drone service providers who can support farmers locally.
Officials believe that the partnership will not only strengthen PACS but also generate employment for rural youth. By operating drones for spraying, surveying, and crop analytics, trained members can offer fee-based services within and beyond their villages. This aligns with the broader vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi,” which seeks to build self-reliant cooperatives that contribute directly to rural prosperity.
As PACS take on 54 expanded responsibilities, technology integration will determine their success. The NCCT–AVPL collaboration marks a decisive step toward modernising India’s cooperative landscape and ensuring that grassroots institutions remain relevant in a rapidly digitising agricultural economy.
