Chitrakoot/Satna:
AirDivit Udan Academy Pvt. Ltd., in association with Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, has received authorization and approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to operate as a Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO).
With this approval, Chitrakoot is set to emerge as a new destination for drone pilot training, particularly for agriculture and rural technology applications. The institute will provide DGCA-approved drone pilot training and certification for eligible candidates, enabling them to legally and professionally operate drones in accordance with civil aviation regulations.
According to the academy, this achievement is significant on multiple fronts. AirDivit Udan Academy stated that it is Madhya Pradesh’s first Small Agriculture Category Drone Remote Pilot Training Institute. The institute also claimed that it is the only facility in Central India equipped to train candidates in both conventional drones and agriculture drones under the Small Category.
The academy further said that it aims to become the first institute in India to offer triple certification for agriculture-specialist drone training, involving certification and academic support from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Aerospace & Aviation Sector Skill Council, and Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya.
Drone Training Now Available in Chitrakoot
Speaking on the importance of the approval, Chairman Jaidev Yogesh Tamrakar said that the licence marks a major milestone for the region.
“In this new era of drone technology, drones are becoming essential in almost every sector. Our organization will not only train students but will also enable them to obtain the required certification to fly drones legally and responsibly,” he said.
He added that drone operations involve a high level of responsibility as drones are now closely connected with national security, public safety and regulated airspace.
“Earlier, such facilities were mostly available in bigger cities like Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior. Now, this opportunity will be available in Chitrakoot. Our goal is to empower rural youth and farmers by teaching them modern farming techniques through drone technology,” Mr. Tamrakar said.
He further stated that agriculture drones can help farmers in crop monitoring, spraying, land mapping and smart farming, thereby improving productivity and reducing input costs.
“This initiative will contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the region by creating skilled drone pilots, agri-drone operators and rural technology entrepreneurs,” he added.
MGCGV Calls It a Proud Moment
The Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya said that the establishment of a DGCA-approved drone training facility inside the university campus is a matter of pride.
“It is a privilege for the university to have this kind of international-standard facility within the campus. Drone technology is directly linked with the future of agriculture, rural development, governance, survey, disaster management and security. This initiative aligns with the university’s vision of promoting skill-based, employment-oriented and socially relevant education,” the Vice Chancellor said.
The university expects to train around 200 students annually through this facility.
According to the university, the initiative will create new opportunities for students, farmers, rural youth and professionals who want to enter the fast-growing drone technology sector.
AirDivit Aims to Compete With Leading Drone Training Institutions
Director Jagrat Kapoor said the DGCA approval is a proud moment for AirDivit Udan Academy and for the entire Chitrakoot region.
“We feel proud that AirDivit Udan Academy is now standing among serious aviation and drone training institutions. We are ready to compete with reputed institutions such as Adani Skill Development Centre, Bhopal; Centre for Aerospace Research, Indore; and Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi facilities in Bhopal and Gwalior,” he said.
Mr. Kapoor added that the academy will not limit itself to agriculture drone training only.
“Apart from agriculture, we will work towards joint training and research with the forest department, police, defence agencies and civil administration. Drone technology will play a major role in governance, surveillance, mapping, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring and public service delivery,” he said.
He further stated that the academy’s long-term vision is to develop Chitrakoot as a hub for drone education, drone research, agriculture technology and rural innovation.
Safety and Responsibility Will Be the Core Focus: Capt. Rohit Pratap Singh
Director Capt. Rohit Pratap Singh said that drone training is not merely about flying a machine, but about developing disciplined, responsible and safety-conscious remote pilots.
“Drone flying is a serious responsibility. Every trainee must understand DGCA regulations, airspace discipline, no-fly zones, weather conditions, battery safety, emergency procedures and public safety requirements. Our training will focus on producing responsible and professionally competent remote pilots,” Capt. Singh said.
He added that the RPTO will provide structured training covering theory, simulator practice, ground training, practical flying, pre-flight checks, post-flight reporting and emergency handling.
“Our objective is to ensure that every candidate trained at AirDivit Udan Academy becomes technically skilled, legally compliant and fully aware of the safety and security responsibilities involved in drone operations,” he said.
A Boost for Agriculture and Rural Employment
The approval is expected to benefit students, farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and rural youth from Chitrakoot, Satna, Bundelkhand and adjoining regions.
Agriculture drones are increasingly being used for pesticide spraying, fertilizer application, crop health monitoring, field mapping, seed broadcasting and data-based farm management. With proper training, rural youth can work as certified drone pilots, agri-drone service providers, drone survey assistants and technology-based entrepreneurs.
The initiative is also expected to support modern farming practices and create new livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
With DGCA approval now in place, AirDivit Udan Academy and Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya aim to make Chitrakoot a major centre for drone training, agriculture innovation and rural technology development.