Context: Namo Drone Didi Scheme is skilling and training women as drone-pilots and contributing to their economic empowerment and sustainable livelihood generation, in various Indian states.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Namo Drone Didi Scheme.
About Namo Drone Didi Scheme
- Namo Drone Didi is a central sector scheme to empower women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by equipping them with drone technology to provide agricultural services.
- Aim: To provide drones to 15000 selected Women SHGs during the period from 2024-25 to 2025-2026, for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes (application of liquid fertilisers and pesticides at present).
Key Features of Namo Drone Didi Scheme
- Financial Support and Accessibility
- Women SHGs receive substantial financial assistance, covering 80% of the drone and accessory costs, up to Rs. 8 lakhs.
- For the remaining 20% cost, SHGs can seek loans from the National Agriculture Infrastructure Financing Facility (AIF) with a 3% interest subvention.
- Collaborative Effort: The scheme is a collaborative venture between:
- Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
- Department of Rural Development
- Department of Fertilisers
- Lead Fertiliser Companies and other supporting entities.
- Cluster-Based Implementation:
- Scheme implementation involves selection of area/cluster and SHG groups in Rural Areas under DAY – NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana -National Rural Livelihoods Mission), where there is demand for drones to provide agriculture services.
- Specialised Training for Women SHG Members: One of the members of the women SHGs will be selected for 15-day training consisting of:
- 5-day mandatory drone pilot training.
- 10 days training for agriculture purposes for nutrient and pesticide application.
Benefits of Namo Drone Didi Scheme:
- Skill Development and Women Empowerment:
- Specialised training to women in drone technology and other modern agricultural practices, such as optimal application of fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides. It enables them to perform tasks like crop monitoring, soil analysis, and precision farming more efficiently.
- The scheme is expected to generate an additional income of at least Rs. 1 lakh per year for each SHG.
- Enhancement of Agricultural Efficiency:
- Drone technology significantly enhances precise application of pesticides and fertilisers. This reduces overuse of chemicals, minimising environmental impact and lowers input costs for farmers.
- Community and Networking Opportunities:
- Women can connect with a supportive network of fellow participants, industry experts, mentors, and agricultural professionals, creating avenues for mentorship and professional growth.