21 December2024, New Delhi: The Government of India has launched the ambitious ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme as a Central Sector initiative aimed at empowering Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through drone technology. With an outlay of ₹1261 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26, the scheme targets the distribution of 15,000 drones to SHGs across the country. However, in its first year, the Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) have procured and distributed only 500 drones using internal resources. For the financial year 2024-25, it is planned to distribute drones to 3,090 SHGs in the initial phase.
The scheme is implemented through the combined efforts of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), the Department of Rural Development (DoRD), and the Department of Fertilizers (DoF), alongside SHGs promoted under the DAY-NRLM and LFCs. A state-level committee comprising members from various departments oversees key aspects, including selecting suitable clusters for drone deployment, identifying progressive SHGs, arranging training for drone pilots and assistants, and ensuring sustainable business opportunities for SHGs.
Drones provided under the scheme come as a comprehensive package, which includes mandatory drone pilot training and additional training for agricultural purposes, such as spraying nutrients and pesticides. Training provisions extend to other SHG members or their family members as drone assistants, ensuring comprehensive skill development. The scheme aims to create livelihood opportunities for SHGs by enabling them to offer drone-based rental services for spraying liquid fertilizers and pesticides.
The LFCs play a vital role in promoting the use of nano fertilizers through drones, thus ensuring regular business for SHGs. The state-level committees are tasked with facilitating collaborations with LFCs and pesticide companies to secure sustained income for these women-led enterprises.
Detailed operational guidelines for the scheme were issued by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in October 2024. The initiative seeks to provide not only technological empowerment to women SHGs but also a robust platform for sustainable livelihoods and business opportunities, bridging the gap between innovation and rural entrepreneurship.
Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Ram Nath Thakur, shared this information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
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