Berhampur: The Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), at Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district, has produced first batch of remote pilot trainees who can operate drones in a professional manner.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) gave its nod to CUTM to train drone operators last month at its campuses in Paralakhemundi and Vizianagaram (Andhra Pradesh) to establish a Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO).
Six M.Sc. Agriculture students, including a girl, were issued Remote Pilot certificates which mention date of endorsement and date of expiry.
“We were trained for 7 days including 3 days of theory, 1 day with the simulator and 2 days of practicals with qualifying tests at every stage,” said Likhita Kumari Mahanty, from Khanja Sahi in Paralakhemundi.
Of the 20 students who completed the training, only 6 were issued certificates, she informed.
Odisha’s pioneering institute has been manufacturing drones for the last few months, and being widely used in various sectors.
Drone technology is becoming increasingly popular in agriculture sector as it helps increased efficiency and improved yields at reduced costs.
Drones can be used for multiple tasks like crop mapping, soil analysis, irrigation and pest management. They also facilitate in gathering data on crop health by capturing high-resolution images, allowing farmers to identify areas that require attention to improve their crop yields and increase profits, said Likhita.
Drones also reduce the need for manual labour and use of pesticides and other chemicals, added Likhita.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established a Centre for Precision and Farming Technologies, which focuses on promoting precision agriculture technologies, including drones.