The Government of India launched the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, aimed at empowering Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) by providing them with drones for agricultural services. With a budget of ₹1261 crores, the initiative is designed to enhance productivity in agriculture by enabling these groups to offer rental drone services for spraying liquid fertilizers and pesticides. This scheme marks an important step towards integrating technology into rural livelihoods, particularly for women.
About the Scheme
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana
National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). It focuses on equipping 14,500 selected SHGs with drones over a two-year period. The drones will not only facilitate agricultural tasks but also provide women with a sustainable income source.
Key Components
The scheme’s operational guidelines outline several critical components: 1. Central Governance – An Empowered Committee will oversee the scheme, consisting of representatives from various ministries, ensuring coordination across sectors such as agriculture and rural development. 2. Financial Assistance – Women SHGs will receive up to 80% financial support for drone purchases, capped at ₹8 lakhs. This subsidy aims to reduce the financial burden on these groups. 3. Training and Capacity Building – Selected members will undergo 15 days of comprehensive training, covering both drone operation and agricultural applications. This dual training approach ensures that women are not only skilled pilots but also knowledgeable about agricultural practices. 4. Equipment Package – The scheme includes a complete drone package, which encompasses essential tools and accessories such as batteries, cameras, and maintenance contracts, enabling effective operation right from the start.
Implementation Strategy
The success of the Namo Drone Didi Scheme relies heavily on proper implementation. Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) will play important role in managing the scheme at the local level. They will coordinate with drone manufacturers and state departments to ensure that the needs of the SHGs are met effectively. The scheme also emphasises the importance of technology in agriculture. Drones can cover up to 20 acres in a day, improving operational efficiency. The integration of an IT-based Management Information System (MIS) will facilitate monitoring and management of drone operations, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Potential Impact
The initiative is expected to transform the agricultural landscape by providing women with an income-generating opportunity while simultaneously enhancing agricultural productivity. By encouraging technological adoption, the scheme aims to improve crop yields and reduce operational costs for farmers. Moreover, the emphasis on women’s empowerment aligns with broader goals of gender equality and social justice in rural India. As women take on leadership roles within their SHGs, they contribute to community development and economic resilience.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of the Namo Drone Didi Scheme in the context of rural empowerment and technological advancement in agriculture.
- Examine the role of Women Self Help Groups in promoting sustainable livelihoods in rural India.
- Evaluate the challenges and potential solutions for the successful implementation of the Namo Drone Didi Scheme.
- How does the integration of technology in agriculture contribute to economic development in rural areas?
- What measures can be taken to ensure the effective training and capacity building of women in drone technology?
