The development of the drone ecosystem in India aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘NAMO Drone Didi’ scheme, which aims to empower women in the agriculture sector.
The rapid growth and technological progress in the drone industry over the last three years is expected to help combat erratic weather patterns and assist farmers in achieving higher quality and quantity yields.
‘NAMO Drone Didi’ Scheme
Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi — earlier this year — during his interaction with beneficiaries of the Viksit Sankalp Yatra, this initiative aims to supply drones to 15,000 Self Help Groups (SHG) to rent to farmers for agricultural purposes. Modi has already distributed drones to 1,000 NAMO Drone Didis from across the nation. The scheme is designed to uplift women members of SHGs by providing them with a platform to earn more.
Under this scheme, drones will be provided to women SHGs at a subsidized price by the Government of India. These drones can be used for spraying pesticides or fertilizers in agricultural fields. Women SHGs will receive an 80% subsidy on the cost of the drone, with the remaining cost covered through a loan from the National Agriculture India Financing Facility (AIF). Women SHG members will undergo drone flying training before receiving the subsidy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged the importance of the NAMO Drone Didi scheme, noting that it will help women become integral stakeholders in their local farming supply chains and rural prosperity.
The Government of India, in September 2021, announced the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for drones and drone components to enhance domestic manufacturing. This initiative aims to boost domestic production, reduce imports, and promote higher capacity building in the sector.
Drones are poised to significantly contribute to the cooperative sector, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) as shared facilities. Utilizing Agri-infra funds, drones can aid in delivering fertilizers, reducing wastage, and cutting expenses for farmers.
To give a push to the NAMO Drone Didi scheme, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to conduct two pilots under the Drone Didi Yojna, aimed at training 15,000 women in drone operation for agriculture.
