NAMO Drone Didi scheme was introduced on 30 November 2023. This government scheme aims to empower rural women in India and transform agricultural practices using technology.
During the monthly broadcast of ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister in conversation with a women farmer Sunita Devi from Sitapur, highlighted the accomplishments of women in the agricultural sector. The term ‘Drone Didi’ is used to refer to women farmers who are employing extensive technology like drones to revolutionize agricultural practices in India.
NAMO Drone Didi scheme benefits
NAMO Drone Didi scheme was introduced on 30 November 2023. This government scheme aims to empower rural women in India and transform agricultural practices using technology. The project aims to provide 15,000 Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with drones, enabling them to use drones for various farming activities. The government has allocated a budget of Rs 500 crore for this scheme.
Empowering women farmers
With drone technology in the fields, this scheme will offer new job prospects for rural women including roles as drone pilots, mechanics, and spare part dealers. Under this project, the Central government provides subsidies to Women’s Self-Help Groups to purchase drones. These groups can avail an 80 percent subsidy on the cost of the drone, or a maximum subsidy of Rs 8 lakh, whichever amount is lower.
Eligibility
Only Women’s Self-Help Groups can apply for the scheme. It is important to note that drones acquired through this scheme must exclusively be used for agricultural purposes. To apply for the scheme following documents are required: SHG registration number, Aadhar card of women members, bank details of the members, and mobile numbers.
Application process
District Committees authorized by the government receive the applications; they review the Women’s Self-Help Groups and choose the qualifying groups. Only registered groups can receive the benefits of the scheme. The heads of the groups are notified of their selection, and after that women farmers are offered training in drone operation. Trainees are taught about the proper use of drones including take-off, landing, and the use of drone in the fields.
Women’s Self-Help Groups can reach out to the nearest Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendra or Gram Panchayat to learn more about the drone scheme. They can learn about the application process and the training period in detail.
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