Ludhiana: In a move set to transform agriculture in the state, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has received approval from the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) to establish a remote pilot training organization (RPTO). This will be state’s first independent government-backed drone training centre, aimed at equipping young farmers with drone operating skills.
PAU will now offer specialised training for operating drones under visual line of sight (VLoS) conditions, focusing on small-class, rotorcraft remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). Upon successful completion, trainees will be certified by the DGCA, positioning them to play a vital role in modernising Punjab’s agriculture.
PAU vice-Chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal, director of research Gursahib Singh Manes, and dean of College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology Manjeet Singh thanked the DGCA for the approval and applauded the efforts of the university’s farm machinery team in securing this landmark.
“With RPTO approval, PAU is positioned to lead the way in drone pilot training, meeting the rising demand for skilled operators in agriculture,” said Mahesh Kumar Narang, head of the institute’s farm machinery and power engineering (FMPE) department, who will manage the new programme. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact the department.
Manes said the new training centre will focus on helping Punjab’s farmers embrace drone technology for its farming applications such as precision spraying. “PAU continues to drive innovation and support farmers by advancing agricultural practices through technology,” he said.
PAU has been working with drone technology for the past five-to-six years, particularly in the area of crop spraying, noted Manjeet Singh. The university has standardised drone-based spraying techniques for different crops, offering clear recommendations to the agricultural community.
Certified drone pilot instructors Santosh Kumar and Tarandeep Singh will lead the training efforts at PAU, the university confirmed in a statement.