In a powerful step towards transforming rural livelihoods and strengthening climate-resilient agriculture, the Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), with support from the Walmart Foundation, has launched a pioneering initiative to train rural women as certified drone pilots. The programme, implemented under the ProRISE project, aims to bridge the digital divide, enhance farm productivity, and ensure women play a crucial role in advancing modern agricultural practices across India.
WOTR, long recognised for its work in sustainable rural development, is equipping women from remote communities with the technical skills and confidence needed to operate agricultural drones. These drones are now being used for precision spraying, crop monitoring and field analysis—technologies typically out of reach for smallholder farmers. By enabling women to lead this tech-driven shift, the programme is not only promoting gender equity but also generating new livelihood opportunities in regions where employment access remains limited.
A key component of the initiative is fostering community ownership. Through WOTR’s facilitation, Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) have begun purchasing drones for their groups, ensuring that the technology is locally available and sustainably managed. The Walmart Foundation’s support has enabled extensive training and certification, ensuring women pilots are fully equipped to deploy drones safely and professionally.
Early outcomes are already encouraging. Farmers report significant time and labour savings, reduced chemical use, and more effective pest and disease control. The precision offered by drones is helping optimise input use while improving crop health—a crucial advantage as climate variability increasingly threatens rural livelihoods.
Initially introduced in the districts of Jalna and Dharashiv in Maharashtra, the initiative has already reached 2,100 farmers. With ongoing training cycles and growing interest among FPOs, the project is expected to benefit 29% more farmers by next month. Encouraged by the success, WOTR and its partners plan to expand the model across other operational areas in western India, with an eventual goal of scaling it to additional states.
Speaking about the impact of the ProRISE project, Sandip Jadhav, Director at WOTR, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s long-standing commitment to inclusive development. He noted that empowering rural women with advanced technological skills enables them to become catalysts for sustainable agricultural transformation in their communities. Jadhav highlighted that the support from the Walmart Foundation has been integral in scaling the programme and amplifying its impact.
Similarly, Nishant Gupta, Social and Environmental Impact Advisor at Walmart.org, emphasised the importance of innovation and inclusivity in addressing climate challenges. He stated that supporting women drone pilots not only opens pathways for individual empowerment but also strengthens whole communities by promoting resilient, efficient, and sustainable farming systems.
The initiative stands as a compelling example of how targeted skill development, technological access, and community-led ownership models can accelerate climate-smart agriculture in India. By placing rural women at the forefront of innovation, WOTR and the Walmart Foundation are helping reshape the future of farming, ensuring that smallholder communities are better equipped to adapt to climate change while unlocking new socio-economic opportunities.
As the programme continues to expand, it signals a transformative shift in the role of women in Indian agriculture—where they are not just participants but leaders in driving sustainability, resilience, and technological progress.
