Nagpur: Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Deendayal Research Institute (DRI) to implement the project “Enhancing Agricultural Productivity through Drone Technology” under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. The initiative aims to promote modern agricultural practices by introducing drone technology to rural areas and improving farming efficiency through Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).
The project will focus on using agricultural drones for pesticide and fertiliser spraying, crop monitoring and improving the efficiency of farming operations. Through this initiative, WCL aims to make modern agricultural technology more accessible to farmers while supporting rural skill development and sustainable farming practices.
As part of the project, 10 agricultural spraying drone sets will be provided, and 10 farmers and rural youth will receive training in drone operations. Arrangements will also be made for DGCA-recognised certification to help the trainees develop the skills required to operate agricultural drones.
WCL Promotes Drone Technology Through CSR Initiative
The project reflects WCL’s efforts to support agricultural development and rural communities through technology-driven interventions under its CSR programme.
By introducing drones into farming activities through Farmer Producer Companies, the initiative aims to improve the application of agricultural inputs, support crop monitoring and enhance operational efficiency. Drone-based spraying can also help farmers carry out specific agricultural tasks more efficiently.
The initiative will focus on the following areas:
- Introducing modern drone technology to rural agricultural communities.
- Supporting pesticide and fertiliser spraying through agricultural drones.
- Improving crop monitoring and farming efficiency.
- Promoting technology-based agricultural practices through FPCs.
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10 Agricultural Drone Sets to Be Provided
Under the MoU, WCL will support the provision of 10 agricultural spraying drone sets to facilitate the adoption of drone technology in farming operations.
The project is designed to help farmers and Farmer Producer Companies explore modern methods of agricultural spraying and crop monitoring. The use of drones is expected to support more efficient farming operations and encourage the adoption of technology-based agricultural practices.
The provision of drone sets will also create opportunities for trained individuals to contribute to agricultural services in rural areas.
Training and DGCA-Recognised Certification for Farmers and Rural Youth
Skill development is another key component of the initiative. WCL and DRI will facilitate training for 10 farmers and rural youth in agricultural drone operations, along with arrangements for DGCA-recognised certification.
The training aims to develop practical skills and improve access to emerging technology-based opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Key features of the project include:
- 10 agricultural spraying drone sets to support farming activities.
- 10 farmers and rural youth to receive drone operation training.
- DGCA-recognised certification arrangements for trainees.
- FPC-based implementation to promote the use of drone technology in rural agriculture.
Through these measures, the project seeks to strengthen rural skills, expand access to modern agricultural technology and support technology-enabled farming services.
WCL Initiative to Support Agricultural Productivity and Sustainable Farming
The “Enhancing Agricultural Productivity through Drone Technology” project aims to connect rural communities with modern agricultural solutions while promoting more efficient farming practices.
The initiative is expected to contribute to agricultural productivity by supporting crop monitoring, spraying operations and improved efficiency in farm-related activities. It will also encourage skill development among farmers and rural youth, creating opportunities to participate in the growing use of agricultural technology.
The project’s key objectives are to:
- Improve access to modern agricultural technology in rural areas.
- Enhance agricultural productivity and operational efficiency.
- Develop drone operation skills among farmers and rural youth.
- Encourage sustainable and technology-driven farming practices.
- Strengthen the role of Farmer Producer Companies in agricultural service delivery.
The initiative highlights the potential of CSR programmes to support rural development by combining technological innovation, skill development and agricultural advancement.
Officials Attend MoU Signing Ceremony
Representatives from WCL and Deendayal Research Institute were present during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
The officials attending the occasion included:
- From Deendayal Research Institute (DRI): Nikhil Mundle, General Secretary, and Dr. Vasant Deshmukh, Senior Scientist.
- From Western Coalfields Limited (WCL): Lalit Prakash Tirkey, General Manager (Welfare & CSR).
The collaboration brings together WCL’s CSR support and DRI’s participation in implementing the agricultural technology initiative, with a focus on rural development, farmer empowerment and skill enhancement.
About Western Coalfields Limited (WCL)
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, a Maharatna public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. Headquartered in Nagpur, Maharashtra, WCL operates coal mines across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Alongside its core mining operations, the company undertakes Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives focused on community development, education, healthcare, skill development and rural welfare.
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