- The government has launched the Namo Drone Didi Scheme to help Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) get access to advanced agricultural drone technology.
- Central Financial Assistance includes an 80% subsidy and pilot training for SHG members to improve farming efficiency and income.
- Drone distribution and training are ongoing in various states, with plans to provide 14,500 more drones; transport issues are addressed by offering financial support for multi-utility machines.
DRONE DIDI SCHEME aims to improve agriculture by giving women SHGs advanced drone technology to increase productivity, lower costs, and boost incomes. Officially called the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, this government-supported plan equips women farmers with drones and training, promoting modern farming in rural India. This article looks into the scheme’s financial support, state implementations, challenges, and its positive impact on women’s roles in agriculture.
Know More About the Namo Drone Didi Scheme
Started as a Central Sector Scheme with a budget of Rs. 1261 Crores from 2023-24 to 2025-26, the Namo Drone Didi Scheme plans to provide 15,000 agricultural drones to Women SHGs all over India. The aim is to bring advanced drone technology into farming to improve crop yield and cut operating costs. It also focuses on helping women SHGs become drone service providers, giving them a steady source of income.
Financial Support and Training Provided
Under this scheme, selected Women SHGs get Central Financial Assistance (CFA) covering 80% of the drone package cost, up to Rs. 8.00 lakhs per group. Each drone package includes the drone along with necessary accessories and batteries. The scheme also provides full pilot training: a 15-day intensive course for one SHG member to become a certified drone pilot, and a 5-day assistant training for another member or family member. This training helps ensure smooth drone use and safety.
Drone Distribution and Training by State
Since the start, Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) have already given out 1,094 drones to Women SHGs in 2023-24, out of which 500 were under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme. These SHG members took Drone Pilot Training at DGCA-authorized Remote Pilot Training Organizations. Here’s a quick glance at drone distribution and training in some states:
| State | Drones Distributed | Members Trained |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 108 | 108 |
| Karnataka | 145 | 145 |
| Maharashtra | 60 | 60 |
| Telangana | 81 | 81 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 128 | 128 |
| West Bengal | 15 | 15 |
In total, 1,094 drones have been given out, along with pilot training in all the states involved.
Solving Drone Transport Problems
Even though drones improve farming, many ‘Drone Didis’ faced problems transporting drones to their fields. The ADRTC study found that 42.68% of operators without utility vehicles had transport issues, especially in Southern India (78.82%). Also, 68.66% reported high costs when hiring transport vehicles.
To tackle this, the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) offers financial support covering 80% of the cost for Women SHGs to buy multi-utility machines that can also carry drones. This helps make drone operations smooth and hassle-free, enabling women farmers to use drones more in their farming.
Also Read – Namo Drone Didi Yojana: Discover the Benefits and Eligibility for Women Empowerment!
Economic Benefits and Effects on Women SHGs
Using drone technology under this scheme has proven to be cost-effective and very helpful. The drones can cover about one acre in 7-8 minutes. Flight times on a single battery last from 5 to 20 minutes, and each drone package includes one standard and four extra battery sets, allowing for longer work hours.
Important Findings from the Agricultural Development and Rural Transformation Centre (ADRTC) Study
The ADRTC carried out a detailed study on the 500 drones given out under the scheme. They found that drone use goes beyond spraying to many other modern farming tasks, improving productivity and income opportunities for women SHGs. Short flight times and larger coverage led to better crop management.
Plans to Expand the Scheme
Looking ahead, the government plans to provide 14,500 more drones to Women SHGs as they grow the DRONE DIDI SCHEME across the country. These drones will be given out in states like this:
| State | Number of Drones Allocated |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 2236 |
| Maharashtra | 1612 |
| Gujarat | 1024 |
| Punjab | 1021 |
| Rajasthan | 1070 |
| Other States | Remaining allocation |
This plan will speed up women SHGs adopting drone technology in agriculture across India.
Shared by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, in a Lok Sabha written reply, the Namo Drone Didi Scheme is a big step in digitizing farming and helping women entrepreneurs in rural India. If you’re a woman farmer or part of an SHG, think about how drone technology can improve your farming and income. Keep updated through https://agriwelfare.gov.in/ for new announcements and training chances.