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.

Sub-Schemes

Challenges

• Technical training and licensing requirements for women pilots
• Infrastructure for drone maintenance and spare parts in rural areas
• Limited battery life and weather dependence for operations
• High cost of the remaining 20% investment for some SHGs
• Data privacy and regulation issues under Drone Rules 2021

Reforms & Recommendations

• Create 'Drone Hubs' at the block level for centralized maintenance
• Integrate drone data with PMFBY for faster insurance claim settlements
• Develop solar-powered charging stations for drones in off-grid areas

Performance Statistics

SDG Linkages

Constitutional Backing

Technology Used

Success Stories

Key Takeaways

• 80% subsidy on drone cost (up to ₹8 Lakhs)
• Target: 15,000 Women SHGs
• Focus on Liquid Fertilizer and Pesticide spraying
• 15-day training program for 'Drone Didis'
• Livelihood creation through rental services

Convergence Schemes

• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Sector Tags