Recently, the government has approved the Namo Drone Didi scheme for the period from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
Namo Drone Didi – It is a central sector scheme aiming to empower women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by equipping them with drone technology to provide agricultural services.
Launched in – 2023
Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Aim– To providedrones to selected Women SHGs for rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes like application of liquid fertilizers and pesticides.
Target – To provide 15,000 drones during the period 2024-25 to 2025-26 and during the financial year 2024-25, it has been targeted to distribute drones to 3090 SHGs in the 1st phase.
Budget– Rs. 1261 Crores from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
Implemented by
Department of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare (DA&FW).
Department of Rural Development (DoRD).
Department of Fertilizers (DoF).
State level Committee is responsible for selection of appropriate clusters for drone usage, selection of the progressive women SHGs under DAY - NRLM in the States.
Key Features
Financial support and Accessibility
Collaborative Effort
Cluster-Based Implementation
Specialized Training for Women SHG Members
Infrastructure and Support from LFCs
Training- It also includes mandatory drone pilot training and additional training for agriculture purpose for nutrient and pesticide application for one of the members of these women SHGs.
Provisions are also made to train other member/ family member of the SHGs as drone assistant.
Significance – It is expected to generate an additional income of at least Rs. 1 lakh per year for each SHG, contributing to economic empowerment and sustainable livelihood generation.
