Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) will receive up to 80% financial assistance on the total cost of a drone package, capped at Rs. 8 lakh, as part of the “Namo Drone Didi” scheme. This was announced with the release of the scheme’s operational guidelines by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
Aimed at providing drones to selected SHGs under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) initiative, the scheme is set to enhance agricultural productivity by enabling SHGs to offer drone-based services for tasks like liquid fertilizer and pesticide application. DAY-NRLM is the flagship program of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) for promoting poverty reduction through building strong institutions for the poor, particularly women, and enabling these institutions to access a range of financial services and livelihoods.
Originally launched with a government-approved budget of Rs. 1,261 crore, the “Namo Drone Didi” scheme plans to equip 14,500 SHGs with drones over the period of 2024-2026. This initiative not only aims to improve crop yield and reduce farming costs but also seeks to foster livelihood opportunities for women by supporting them in establishing rental drone services for local farmers.
Read more: NAMO Drone Didi: An Opportunity for Women
The operational guidelines detail a funding structure where SHGs may cover the remaining drone costs through loans under the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF), benefitting from a 3% interest subvention. Additionally, Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of SHGs may secure loans from other schemes under the Ministry of Rural Development.
The drone packages, to be provided as complete operational units, include essential equipment beyond the basic drone: spray assemblies, cameras, multiple battery sets and chargers, anemometers, pH meters, and one year of onsite warranty. SHG members will receive 15 days of comprehensive training, preparing one member as a drone pilot and another as a maintenance assistant. Further, the package includes insurance, a two-year maintenance contract, and spare parts to support uninterrupted operation, with the goal of enabling SHGs to cover up to 20 acres of farmland daily.
The scheme will be governed and implemented with oversight from a multi-departmental Empowered Committee and monitored by an Implementation and Monitoring Committee led by the Department of Rural Development. Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) will handle procurement and manage collaboration between SHGs, state-level authorities, and drone manufacturers. To support the scheme’s effective roll-out, state-level agriculture departments will coordinate with SHGs and ensure clusters with high demand for drone services are prioritized. Each SHG is expected to cover around 2000-2500 acres annually.
Monitoring of the scheme will be streamlined through the Drone Portal, a dedicated IT-based Management Information System (MIS) that tracks drone operations, fund disbursement, and service delivery. By integrating technology, the “Namo Drone Didi” scheme aims to create sustainable income streams for women SHGs while promoting efficient, technology-driven agricultural practices across rural India.
