Agartala, December 02, 2025: Tripura’s Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma has formally submitted a proposal to Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram seeking approval and support for the “Drone Pilot Training Project for Tribal Youths,” an initiative aimed at introducing advanced technology into agriculture and creating new livelihood avenues for Tripura’s tribal population.

Tribal communities constitute nearly 32 per cent of the state’s population, with agriculture remaining their primary source of income. However, a significant majority of tribal farmers continue to depend on traditional, labour-intensive practices, leading to low productivity and limited earning potential.

Under the proposed project, tribal youths and women will be trained as certified drone pilots and service providers specialising in drone-based crop spraying and aerial survey operations. The programme is designed to equip participants with modern technical skills while opening doors to sustainable, high-income employment opportunities in rural and hilly areas.

As outlined in the proposal, structured training and practical deployment could enable trained individuals to earn up to Rs 1 lakh per month, providing a strong incentive for youth participation and encouraging the adoption of technology-driven solutions in agriculture.

Minister Debbarma described the initiative as a transformative step towards self-reliance, stating that it will not only modernise farming practices but also instil confidence and dignity among tribal youths. He added that the project has the potential to increase agricultural productivity, reduce dependence on outdated techniques, and integrate Tripura’s tribal communities into the country’s broader digital and technology-enabled growth trajectory.

Urging favourable consideration from the Union Ministry, the minister highlighted the project’s potential to create long-term socio-economic impact and reshape the future of tribal agriculture in Tripura.