WOTR and Walmart Foundation Train Rural Women as Drone Pilots to Boost Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Pune, December 04, 2025: Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR), in partnership with the Walmart Foundation, has launched a technology-driven initiative to train rural women as certified drone pilots under the ProRISE project. The programme aims to promote climate-resilient agriculture by equipping women with advanced skills in precision farming and creating new livelihood opportunities in rural communities.

To ensure ownership and sustainability, WOTR has facilitated a model in which Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) purchase drones for their groups. With support from the Walmart Foundation, women across villages are being trained in drone handling, spraying and crop-monitoring applications. Early field results show reduced labour requirements, lower chemical usage and more efficient pest management.

Piloted in the districts of Jalna and Dharashiv in Maharashtra, the initiative has already reached 2,100 farmers, with an additional 29% expected to benefit in the coming month. WOTR aims to expand the model across its current operational geographies in western India and scale it nationally over time.

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Highlighting the programme’s objective, Sandip Jadhav, Director, WOTR, said, “Our aim with the ProRISE project has always been to empower women in rural India by giving them access to advanced tools and skills. Training women as drone pilots not only opens new livelihood opportunities for them but also helps local farmers adopt more efficient, sustainable, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. We are proud to associate with funders like Walmart Foundation, whose support enables us to scale this initiative and create meaningful impact in communities.”

Emphasising the Foundation’s commitment, Nishant Gupta, Social and Environmental Impact Advisor, Walmart.org, said, “We believe in the power of innovation and inclusivity to drive meaningful change. Supporting initiatives like training rural women as drone pilots aligns with our commitment to creating opportunities and fostering sustainable practices. By equipping these women with advanced skills, we’re empowering individuals—we’re helping entire communities embrace a more climate-resilient future.”

WOTR stated that the initiative demonstrates how technology-led skilling can strengthen climate-smart agriculture, empower women and enhance rural resilience.