India’s agriculture sector, historically male-dominated, is undergoing a quiet but profound shift. With large-scale male migration from rural to urban centers in search of industrial and service jobs, the responsibility for farming increasingly falls on women. This “feminization of agriculture” now characterizes much of India’s rural economy: women account for nearly 75% of full-time agricultural workers, though they remain under-recognized and under-rewarded. Simultaneously, the Government of India is promoting the use of drones under the Drone Didi initiative, part of the Prime Minister’s focus on women-led development. The scheme envisions equipping women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with drones to provide services such as crop monitoring, pesticide spraying, and soil analysis. Positioned at the intersection of agriculture modernization and gender equality, Drone Didi could reshape not only India’s rural economy but also progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality). This article explores the potential of Drone Didi within India’s feminized agricultural landscape, benchmarks it against global practices, and proposes a roadmap for policy alignment. Linking Drones, Women, and SDG 5 SDG 5 emphasizes equal participation of women in economic life, access to resources, and empowerment in decision-making. In agriculture, women face structural disadvantages: less access to land titles, credit, machinery, and extension services. Drone Didi, if properly implemented, can address these gaps: Economic Empowerment – Women gain technical expertise and income by operating drones as service providers. Reduction in Physical Labour – Spraying and crop monitoring with drones replaces strenuous manual tasks. Leadership – SHGs trained in drone operations can transition […]