Namo Drone Didi

✦Key Features

• 15,000 SHGs to receive drones by 2025-26; budget ₹1,261 crore
• Central subsidy: 80% of drone cost or ₹8 lakh max (whichever less); remaining from SHG bank loans
• SHG women trained as: lead drone pilots (mandatory), drone technicians, drone sakhi (operators)
• Service charge: ₹1,000-2,000/acre for spraying — income for SHG
• Integration with DAY-NRLM SHGs; nano-urea and nano-DAP spraying promoted
• 1,000 drone Didi pilots trained by Dec 2024 (initial rollout)
• Linkage with PM Vishwakarma and PM Internship for maintenance training

✓Eligibility Criteria

• The scheme is specifically for women Self Help Groups (SHGs) registered under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM.
• SHGs must demonstrate a stable financial track record and active participation in community activities.
• One woman from each selected SHG must be identified as the 'Drone Didi' for technical pilot training.
• The beneficiary must be a resident of a rural area where the SHG operates.
• Priority is given to SHGs operating in clusters where agricultural drone services are in high demand.

★Benefits

• SHGs receive a central financial assistance covering 80 percent of the drone cost up to a maximum of 8 lakh rupees.
• Women pilots receive specialized training, including a 5-day pilot license course and a 10-day agricultural application course.
• SHGs can generate additional income by providing drone-based services like pesticide spraying and crop monitoring to local farmers.
• The scheme empowers rural women by providing them with high-tech skills and leadership roles in the agricultural sector.
• Beneficiaries receive a full drone package including batteries, charging stations, and essential spare parts.

▶Application Process

• State Rural Livelihood Missions identify and shortlist eligible SHGs based on performance metrics.
• Selected candidates are enrolled in a specialized 15-day training program covering drone piloting and maintenance.
• The SHG submits a proposal for the procurement of a drone through the National Rural Livelihood Mission portal.
• Lead fertilizer companies or designated agencies facilitate the procurement and delivery of the drone kit to the SHG.
• The final selection is ratified by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in coordination with state units.

₹ Budget Allocation

1261

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): Central Sector Scheme (100% Central Funding for subsidies)

Historical Context

Announced by PM Narendra Modi in 2023 to provide 15,000 drones to women SHGs to promote the use of technology in the primary sector.