In a move aimed at strengthening India’s drone industry, Salam Kisan, a precision farming tech platform, has entered into a partnership with SVERI College of Engineering in Pandharpur, Solapur, to establish a Joint Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO). The initiative, set to be hosted at SVERI’s advanced campus, focuses on equipping aspiring drone pilots with essential skills and certifications to meet the rising demand in the sector.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Skilled Drone Pilots
India’s drone industry is witnessing rapid expansion, with increasing adoption across agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, and other key sectors. As of December 2024, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had issued over 21,000 remote pilot certificates and projections suggest that the country will require more than 100,000 certified drone pilots by 2027. The partnership between Salam Kisan and SVERI aims to contribute to this demand by providing structured training and certification programs, ensuring that aspiring pilots are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the field.
Creating Opportunities for Rural Youth
One of the core objectives of this collaboration is to provide employment opportunities for rural youth. By offering specialized training in drone technology, the RPTO seeks to bridge the skill gap and empower individuals from underserved communities with the knowledge and expertise required to enter the growing drone industry. The initiative aligns with the broader vision of leveraging technological advancements to drive socio-economic growth in rural areas.
“Our collaboration with SVERI to establish the Joint Remote Pilot Training Organization is a crucial step toward equipping rural youth with advanced skills. The demand for professional drone pilots is increasing, particularly in agriculture, where drones play a key role in improving efficiency and productivity. Through this initiative, we aim to provide both employment opportunities and technological innovation that can drive progress in various sectors.”
Formalizing the Partnership
The official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place in the presence of key representatives from both organizations. Akshay Khobragade, Chief Operating Officer of Salam Kisan, and Dr. B. P. Ronge, Principal of SVERI College of Engineering, signed the agreement, formalizing their commitment to the joint initiative. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Dr. Prashant Pawar, Vice Principal of SVERI, and Ramchandra Mashale, Founder and Director of MSR IAS Academy.
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Khobragade highlighted the broader implications of the initiative, stating, “This partnership is an important step toward strengthening India’s drone ecosystem. By focusing on skill development, we are not only creating employment but also ensuring that India has a robust pipeline of trained professionals who can contribute to the sector’s growth. Our collaboration with SVERI will help build a workforce capable of driving innovation and economic development.”
Salam Kisan and SVERI Strengthening India’s Drone Ecosystem
With the RPTO set to become a hub for drone pilot training, the partnership is expected to play a critical role in fostering technological advancement and employment generation. The structured training programs will focus on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring that certified pilots are well-prepared to meet industry demands.
Mandhani also pointed to Salam Kisan’s broader efforts in expanding drone technology in India. The organization has been actively working on initiatives that integrate drones into agricultural practices, as well as collaborating with the Maharashtra government to enhance drone manufacturing and training capabilities.
As the demand for drone pilots continues to grow, initiatives like the RPTO at SVERI will be instrumental in shaping the future of India’s drone industry. By equipping individuals with industry-relevant skills and fostering innovation, the partnership between Salam Kisan and SVERI is poised to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce that can drive India’s position in the global drone market.
With a clear vision for the future, Salam Kisan remains committed to further strengthening India’s drone sector through impactful collaborations and initiatives aimed at unlocking the full potential of drone technology for economic and social progress.