Mahindra Zor Grand Electric Three Wheelers Power 'Drone Didi' Initiative

Back in 2022, the government of India launched a new initiative called the “NaMo Drone Didi” program. Under this program, the government, along with other companies, enables rural women to become drone pilots who then help farmers. These women fly the drones carrying fertilizers and urea on the farms and increase the efficiency of work. Now, in order to support these Drone Didis, Mahindra has provided a total of 1,261 Zor Grand electric vehicles, which are used to carry these drones and other equipment to various parts of the country.

Mahindra Zor Grand EVs helping Drone Didis

The Mahindra Zor Grand EVs are responsible for transporting high-capacity drones, fuel cans, water containers, and fertilizer bottles. They also help in the transportation of heavy generator sets (gensets), additional drone batteries, and spare parts along with tool kits. In total, 1,261 Mahindra Zor Grand EVs have been deployed by the government of India to facilitate this program.

As mentioned, Drone Didi is an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under this program, rural women from traditionally underserved communities are trained to become “Drone Didis.” They are taught to operate drones and are provided with certificates, making them certified drone pilots. These women then earn additional income and transition to leadership roles in agricultural innovation.

Mahindra, government of India, and IFFCO have joined hands together

This particular initiative is a strategic partnership between the government of India, Mahindra Electric, and IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited). Under this partnership, IFFCO uses its expansive rural distribution network to deploy drones. Meanwhile, Mahindra Zor Grand EVs are used to reach farmers who have traditionally lacked access to precision farming technology.

How are drones helping farmers?

Now, for those who may be wondering how these Drone Didis and their drones are helping farmers in increasing their efficiency. Well, the answer to this is that these drones allow for targeted fertilizer application. They only dispense atomized droplets, which are more efficient and environmentally friendly. What also works as a benefit is that a larger area can be covered by a single woman.

Under this program, a single Drone Didi can cover up to 5 acres of farmland. Meanwhile, when this same task is done by manual labour, it takes 5 labourers to cover half an acre in the same time. There is a direct productivity increase, and it reduces manual labour. Additionally, the fertilizer waste is also reduced substantially, and it improves crop coverage.

Mahindra Zor Grand EV

Mahindra Zor Grand EV produces 12 kW of peak power and 50 Nm of torque. It offers a claimed range of 90–153 km per charge thanks to its 10.24 kWh battery pack. What makes this EV three-wheeler more useful is its 6-feet loading tray and company-fitted 140/170 cu. feet delivery box. The Mahindra Zor Grand EV prices start from Rs 4.47 lakh and go up to Rs 4.91 lakh.