Namo Drone Didi Scheme: Empowering Women SHGs and Revolutionizing Indian Agriculture
The Government of India has introduced a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women, enhancing agricultural productivity, and modernizing farming practices—The Namo Drone Didi Scheme. Launched by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, this scheme is set to revolutionize Indian agriculture by integrating drone technology with the grassroots level. The program targets Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and provides them with drones for offering rental services to farmers, especially for pesticide and fertilizer applications.
Table of Contents
What is the Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme with an ambitious outlay of ₹1261 Crores. It is designed to equip 14,500 selected Women SHGs across India with advanced drone technology for use in agriculture. The scheme will run from 2024 to 2026, providing drones primarily for spraying fertilizers and pesticides, and will play a key role in improving the efficiency of agricultural operations.
Key Objectives of the Scheme
Empowering Women: The Namo Drone Didi Scheme aims to empower women by providing them with training and technology to offer agricultural services. Women SHGs will be able to lease drones to farmers, creating a sustainable livelihood.
Promoting Technological Advancements in Agriculture: Drones offer precision and speed in pesticide and fertilizer application, resulting in cost savings, enhanced crop yields, and reduced environmental impact.
Supporting Rural Development: By enabling women SHGs to offer drone services, the scheme encourages rural economic growth and social empowerment.
Components of the Namo Drone Didi Scheme
The scheme is structured around several core components designed to ensure that the drones and associated services reach farmers effectively.
1. Central Financial Assistance
The Government will provide 80% financial assistance (up to ₹8 lakh) for the purchase of drone packages, covering the drone, spray assembly, battery set, camera, charger, and other necessary accessories. This support significantly reduces the financial burden on SHGs.
2. Loan Support for SHGs
To meet the remaining cost, SHGs can access loans under the National Agriculture Infrastructure Financing Facility (AIF). A 3% interest subsidy is also available, ensuring that the cost of financing remains affordable for the groups.
3. Drone Packages
Each drone package will include the necessary equipment for efficient pesticide and fertilizer application. The package features 4 spare battery sets, a camera, battery chargers, propeller sets, and a one-year onsite warranty. Additionally, the drones will come with training for pilots and assistants, ensuring proper operation and maintenance.
4. Training and Skill Development
A crucial aspect of the scheme is the training provided to members of Women SHGs. One member will undergo a 15-day drone pilot training, while another will be trained as a drone assistant. This comprehensive training ensures that both the operation and maintenance of the drones are handled efficiently.
Implementation and Monitoring of the Scheme
The implementation of the scheme will be overseen by an Empowered Committee at the central level, comprising officials from various departments like Agriculture, Rural Development, Civil Aviation, and Women & Child Development. At the state level, Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) will serve as the implementing agencies.
A robust IT-based Management Information System (MIS) will be deployed to track the operations of the drones, ensuring effective monitoring and transparent fund disbursement. The system will also provide live information on drone usage, helping stakeholders stay updated on the service delivery process.
Benefits of the Namo Drone Didi Scheme
Enhanced Agricultural Efficiency: Drones can cover up to 20 acres per day, offering precise and rapid pesticide/fertilizer application, leading to improved crop health and yield.
Sustainability and Income Generation: SHGs will benefit from a sustainable business model, with the potential to earn additional income by providing rental services to farmers.
Skill Development and Employment: The scheme creates new job opportunities in rural areas, particularly for women, who will gain technical expertise in drone operation and maintenance.
Advancing Rural Technology: The widespread adoption of drones will modernize farming practices, bringing cutting-edge technology to rural communities and supporting smart agriculture.
Conclusion
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is more than just an agricultural innovation—it is a step towards empowering women, boosting rural economies, and enhancing agricultural productivity in India. By providing drones to Women SHGs, the government is facilitating access to modern farming techniques, while ensuring that the benefits reach the grassroots. With proper implementation and monitoring, the scheme has the potential to transform agriculture, improve livelihoods, and contribute to India’s growth as a global leader in sustainable farming.
Keywords: Namo Drone Didi, Women Self Help Groups, Drone Technology, Agriculture, Government Scheme, Rural Empowerment, Smart Farming, Pesticide Application, Fertilizer Spraying, DAY-NRLM.
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