In collaboration with WOW Go Green, co-op titan IFFCO organized a ten-day rigorous training programme at its FMDI campus for the farmers on how to use drones in farming. The aim of the programme was to make new entrepreneurs from the villages.
A total of 36 participants including progressive farmers, entrepreneurs, FPOs, Cooperatives etc. from different states were part of the training course. This training was one of its kind in the country & was for the first time for farmers. The training was conducted with stimulators gradually moving to smaller drones and ultimately to full size agricultural drones.
Within a few days of training, all these participants who had never even touched a drone before flew them efficiently. The participants successfully trained with the use of agri-drones were called “Green Pilots”. These green pilots pledged not only to use this technology in their farms but also to raise awareness and share their knowledge with other farmers in their respective regions, claims a press release from IFFCO.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. US Awasthi, Managing Director, IFFCO. Speaking on the occasion Dr Awasthi said the use of drones in agriculture is a step ahead for modern precise farming. It will not only reduce the cost to the farmers but also help in increasing the production & quality of the crops. It will also produce entrepreneurs from villages thus training in drone technology will be highly beneficial to the farmers.
Yogendra Kumar, Marketing Director, IFFCO, the key person behind this entire training program said that this programme will provide a new way forward for the use of new technologies in agriculture.
With the Government planning to bring a policy on the use of agricultural drones it is of paramount importance that the farmers are trained in the use of this technology so that this technology is accepted as soon as it is officially announced. A 15-minute flight of an Agri-drone can spray fertilizer in an area of 2.5 acres.
“It is IFFCO ‘s step forward towards Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Krishi and Atmanirbhar Bharat by training farmers in modern agricultural technologies & help them in doubling incomes by 2025. This is a Pioneer step by IFFCO that will take India forward in the direction of modern agriculture practices”, read the release.
During these 10 days training programme participants were provided with a comprehensive class room as well as practical training on drone operation, maintenance & its usage in agriculture. Some of the major topics covered during this training programme included Introduction, history, types, applications and future prospects of Drones, Regulation of DGCA, Civil Aviation, Basic principle of flights, Airspace structure and Airspace Restriction with knowledge of No drone Zones and Flight Planning.
Other issues covered were Collision avoidance Radio Telephony (RT) techniques Standard radio terminology, Payload installation, and utilization etc, Electronic speed controller, flight controllers and Operation and application of drones.
IFFCO’s training programme was appreciated by Sachin Kumar, Under Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture (Department of Fertilizers)- while addressing Green Pilots during his visit to FMDI.
Rakesh Kapur, Joint Managing Director, IFFCO in his address during the concluding session of the training programme said that the business model prepared by IFFCO and WOW for entrepreneurs is an achievable model and has great potential for success.
IFFCO’s FMDI trains thousands of farmers and farming enthusiasts in various aspects of agriculture. It is one of the best farmer training institutes with residential facilities for over hundreds of trainees. It is regularly visited by the experts and scientists from IFFCO and other premier institutions such as ICAR.
I would like to join Next programme
Sir humko bhi training lena hai to kaise sampark kre aapse