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Context:

The Union Government has approved the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ Scheme to provide Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs).

What is the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ Scheme?

It is a central sector initiative to empower Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

It aims to provide drones to 14500 selected Women SHGs during the period from 2024-25 to 2025-2026 to rent drone services to farmers for agriculture purposes (mainly for application of liquid fertilizers and pesticides). The Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has also released the Operational Guidelines.

The government has allocated a budget of Rs 1261 crores for the implementation of this scheme. 

Who governs the Namo Drone Didi Scheme?

It will be governed at a central level by an empowered committee of the secretaries from various departments, including;

1. Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
2. Department of Rural Development
3. Department of Fertilizers
4. Ministry of Civil Aviation 
5. Ministry of Women and Child Development.

The Committee chaired by the additional Secretary from the Department of Rural Development will be  responsible for;

• Effective planning, implementation and monitoring of the scheme.
• It will provide overall advice and guidance to all technical matters related to the scheme.

Financial assistance under the scheme

It offered central financial assistance of 80% of the cost of drones and associated accessories, with a maximum limit of Rs 8 lakh per SHGs.

SHGs can raise the remaining amount through loans from the National Agriculture Infrastructure Financing Facility (AIF). An interest subvention of 3% will be provided on these loans. 

SHGs can also access loans from other sources/programmes/schemes of the Ministry of Rural Development. 

Training for the SHG members

One member from each SSG will be given a 15 day training program that include;

• Mandatory drone pilot training.
• Training on nutrient and pesticide application for agriculture purposes. 
• Training on repairs and maintenance of drones.

Who will implement the scheme at the state level?

The Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) will act as the implementing agencies in each state, they will coordinate with different stakeholders, including state departments, drone manufacturers, and SHGs to ensure effective implementation. 

How will the scheme be monitored?

An IT based Management Information System (MIS) known as Drone Portal will monitor funds flow and disbursement of funds and Implementation. It will provide live information on drone usage.

Way Forward

The initiatives under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme will provide sustainable business and livelihood support to SHGs and help them to earn additional income. It will integrate advanced technology in agriculture for improving efficiency, increase crop yield and reduce cost of operation to maximize benefit to farmers.

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DEENDAYAL ANTYODAYA YOJANA - NATIONAL RURAL LIVELIHOOD MISSION

Source: 

PIB