TN govt to launch 'Vetri Vaanmagal' scheme to train women farmers in drone tech

The TVK government on Thursday announced the introduction of 'Vetri Vaanmagal' scheme for women farmers, who will be given training in drone operation to ease their agricultural activities.

Presenting the TVK regime's first agriculture budget, state Agriculture Minister R Vinoth told the House that drone technology in India is creating new job opportunities in agriculture, construction, freight transport, surveillance, and disaster management sectors.

"With the United Nations having declared 2026 as the “International Year of Women Farmers”, enabling women to work as drone operators will ease agricultural activities such as fertiliser, pesticide spraying, crop monitoring while addressing labour shortages in the sector", he added.

"For this, 500 eligible persons, including 100 women, will be provided drone operator training and a drone pilot license through the Remote Pilot Training Organization of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University at State government cost of Rs.1.50 crore", he said adding "drones will be provided with 50 per cent subsidy to 50 trained women, at an allocation of Rs 2.50 crore from the state fund.

Noting that the Chief Minister, who established the Singappen (Lioness) force to protect women, the Minister said, "is now set to create the Vaanmagal Force to safeguard agriculture".