About the Scheme
Namo Drone Didi provides drones to 15,000 women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for crop monitoring, aerial spraying of fertilizers/pesticides, and agricultural data collection. Budget: ₹1,261 crore. Women SHG members trained as drone pilots and technicians. Up to 80% central subsidy on drone (max ₹8 lakh). Launched November 28, 2023.
Target Beneficiaries: 15,000 women SHGs; lakhs of farmers benefiting from drone crop services
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