The Government of India has launched, the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme, an initiative to empower Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The Central Sector Scheme has a budget of ₹1261 crores, under which the government seeks to provide drones for agriculture uses to over 14,500 selected Women SHGs between 2024-25 and 2025-26.
The SHGs will use these drones on rent to farmers, for spraying liquid fertilizers and pesticides. The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has issued operational guidelines for the scheme, and has urged the stakeholders to make effective use of these resources, in order to ensure an effective and successful rollout.
How will the Scheme Work?
Under the Namo Drone Scheme, the government has extended significant support for acquisition of drones to the SHGs. The government will cover up to 80 per cent of the total cost of the drone and other required accessories up to Rs. 8 lakh for the selected beneficiary SHGs. In order to cover the remaining cost, the SHG can get loans under the National Agriculture Infrastructure Financing Facility (AIF) with an interest subsidy of 3 per cent.
The drones that the SHGs will be provided with under this scheme will be tailored to meet comprehensive agricultural needs. Each package will include a basic drone equipped with a spray assembly which is necessary for applying liquid fertilisers and pesticides in a field. In addition, the package will also a carrying case, batteries, a dual-channel fast charger, a camera, anemometer, pH meter, and a one-year warranty. In order to ensure uninterrupted operation, SHGs will also receive four extra battery sets, a spare propeller set, and additional nozzles, enabling coverage of up to 20 acres per day.
Skill Development
One of the key highlight of the Namo Didi Scheme is that the initiative will also provide skill training to operated the drone and use it effectively to ensure optimum agriculture output. The government has declared that one member from each SHG will receive 15 days of intensive training, covering both general drone operations and specific agricultural applications like nutrient and pesticide application under the initiative. Another SHG member or a family member with an interest in electrical and mechanical repair will also be offered a training for providing drone assistance. In this manner, the government will ensure that the group has the necessary skills to maintain and operate the equipment effectively.
In order to track progress of the implementation of the scheme and ensure effective monitoring, the government has declared an intent to set up an IT-based Management Information System (MIS), known as the Drone Portal. This portal will manage service delivery, monitor funds flow, and track drone operations, offering real-time data on usage.
The ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme holds promise as a sustainable income source for SHGs while bringing advanced technology into agriculture. By supporting women-led SHGs in providing drone services, the government aims to increase crop yield, reduce farming costs, and improve efficiency. This initiative is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian agriculture and empowerment of rural women.
