Speaking to TNIE, Bhavani, from Isojipet village in Pulkal mandal, beams with newfound confidence: “We used to depend on others for work. Now, with this skill, I can even think of buying a drone myself. We own three acres and lease another seven. If the government helps SHGs own drones, the cost per acre will drop significantly — from `3,000 to just `500. That’s a big relief for small farmers like us.”

What used to be a male-dominated space is now seeing women make their mark — and fly past old stereotypes. “Earlier, only young men flew drones. Today, we’re taking over the skies — thanks to the support of collector Kranthi. We’re ready to compete, and we’re not looking back,” says Swapna, another trainee.

Only the beginning: Collector

Stating that the initiative was only the start, Collector Kranthi, the driving force behind the initiative, tells TNIE: “We trained these women to empower them with a future-ready skill. Under the Union government’s ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme, they will receive drones and drone cameras with up to an 80% subsidy. For a drone worth `10 lakh, SHGs can get `8 lakh covered. The rest can be availed through loans or personal contribution.”

These women aren’t just flying drones — they’re flying past limits, rewriting roles and becoming true changemakers in their fields.

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