Rupali Sur Dey, a determined woman from Dukli, Tripura, stood proudly among a select group of five women chosen under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary ‘Drone Didi’ initiative. Her journey was highlighted during an exhibition in Agartala which was organised to celebrate 11 years of PM Modi's leadership. In the exhibition, Rupali and her training partners showcased their growing expertise in drone technology.
The event, inaugurated by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, became a testament to the changing face of Indian agriculture. At the centre of attention was a vibrant stall manned by the Drone Didis, symbolising how technology and rural empowerment can go hand in hand.
Alongside MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, and ARD Minister Sudhangshu Das, the Chief Minister praised the women for their pioneering spirit and their role in bringing about a quiet revolution in farming practices.
These women known as Drone Didis are being imparted training to operate drones for important agricultural and cultivation tasks. These tasks include spraying pesticides, distributing fertilisers, and monitoring crops. The Drone Didis use this technology with an aim to reduce time, costs, and labour for farmers. They also ensure better precision.
Rupali spoke with pride and purpose.
“Most farmers can’t evenly spray pesticides across all leaves or reach the roots effectively. With drones, we can do that with accuracy and speed. This isn’t just about helping farmers — it’s also about helping ourselves become independent,” she shared.
For Rupali, being called a "Drone Didi" is more than a title — it's a badge of honour. It represents opportunity, change, and the power of learning. “It’s only possible because of PM Modi’s support for women and for modern agriculture,” she added.
The Drone Didi initiative as a matter of fact bears testimony to the government’s broader goal of blending technology with rural development, especially by empowering women at the grassroots.
The enthusiasm and confidence of Rupali and her peers in Agartala stood as a live demonstration of what innovation, inclusion, and empowerment can achieve — a promising flight into the future of Indian farming.
Tripura has begun experimental soilless hydroponic farming: Minister
The Tripura government has experimentally started the hydroponics method of cultivation without any soil, the state’s agriculture minister Ratan Lal Nath said here on Friday.
Assam Rifles seized cannabis worth Rs 30 lakh from Tripura
In a swift and decisive operation against narcotics smuggling, Assam Rifles, in close coordination with representatives of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), successfully seized approximately 195 kg of marijuana from the general area of Taranagar, Agartala during the early hours of 12 June.
High-Level Meeting Held to Curb Illegal Infiltration in Tripura
A high-level administrative meeting was held today at the state secretariat under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary J. K. Sinha, following the directives of Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, to review and strengthen measures against illegal infiltration in the state.
Agriculture minister announces development of 3 new paddy varieties in Tripura
The state agriculture and farmers welfare department minister Ratan Lal Nath on Friday announced development of three new paddy varieties in Tripura, which can address the recurring flood-related challenges faced by farmers in the state.
CM Dr Manik Saha inaugurates state-of-the-art Cancer Care Unit in Agartala Private Run Hospital
Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Friday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Cancer Care Center at a private run hospital in Agartala. The new center has been established in collaboration with the International Oncology Cancer Institute, aiming to make quality cancer treatment more accessible within the state.
‘I can’t believe I survived’, says lone survivor of Air India crash in emotional meeting with PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the devastating Air India plane crash. Ramesh, a British national of Indian origin, is recovering from injuries sustained in the crash and is being treated at a hospital in Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad crash: Two Manipuri crew members of London-bound Air India flight killed
Two cabin crew members from Manipur - Kongbrailatpam Nganthoi Sharma (20) and Lamnunthem Singson (26) – were killed when the London-bound Air India flight, carrying over 240 passengers, crashed shortly after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport.
Doctor couple’s dreams of new beginning in UK turned to ashes
A doctor couple’s dreams of a new beginning together as a family in UK turned into a nightmare and their last trip together as the ill-fated flight that was to take them to London crashed seconds after take-off on Thursday.