NAMO DIDI Drone Scheme

Empowering Women SHGs with Drone Technology

The Government of India has launched the ‘Namo Didi Drone Scheme’, a transformative Central Sector Scheme aimed at empowering Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through cutting-edge drone technology. With a financial outlay of ₹1,261 crores for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26, the scheme is set to revolutionize agricultural practices and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to women across rural India.

Key Highlights of the Namo Didi Drone Scheme

1. Objective and Target:

   • The scheme aims to provide 15,000 drones to Women SHGs by 2025-26.
   • In 2023-24, the first 500 drones were procured by Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) using their internal resources and distributed to selected SHGs.
   • For 2024-25, the target is to distribute drones to 3,090 SHGs in the first phase.

2. Convergence of Resources:
   The scheme is a collaborative effort involving:

   • Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW)
   • Department of Rural Development (DoRD)
   • Department of Fertilizers (DoF)
   • Women SHGs promoted under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)
   • Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs)

3. State-Level Implementation Committees:

   • Committees at the state level ensure efficient implementation.
   • Responsibilities include:
     • Selection of appropriate clusters for drone usage.
     • Identification of progressive Women SHGs for the scheme.
     • Training SHG members as drone pilots and drone assistants.
     • Assessing district-wise drone usage and business potential.

Comprehensive Drone Package

The drones are supplied as a complete package, which includes:

• Drone Pilot Training: A mandatory program for one SHG member.
• Agricultural Training: Specialized training in the use of drones for nutrient and pesticide application.
• Drone Assistant Training: Provision to train other SHG members or family members to support operations.

Detailed operational guidelines for the scheme were issued by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in October 2024.

Empowering Women Through Business Opportunities

The scheme is designed to provide business and livelihood support to Women SHGs:

• SHGs will offer drone rental services to farmers for spraying liquid fertilizers and pesticides.
• LFCs will promote the use of Nano fertilizers via drones, creating sustainable business opportunities.
• State-level Committees will ensure consistent business for Women SHGs by coordinating with LFCs and pesticide companies.

Impact of the Namo Didi Drone Scheme

1. Economic Empowerment:
   Women SHGs will gain access to modern technology, enabling them to generate sustainable income.

2. Agricultural Modernization:

   • Promotes precision farming by enabling efficient spraying of nutrients and pesticides.
   • Encourages the adoption of Nano fertilizers for better crop yield and reduced environmental impact.

3. Skill Development:

   • Equips women with technical skills in drone operation and maintenance, fostering self-reliance.

4. Strengthening Rural Economies:
   By integrating drone technology into agriculture, the scheme contributes to the broader vision of a self-reliant rural India.

The Namo Didi Drone Scheme exemplifies the government’s commitment to combining technology, empowerment, and agriculture for a brighter, sustainable future. By equipping Women SHGs with drones, the initiative not only revolutionizes farming practices but also lays the foundation for economic independence among rural women.

MCQ 1: 

What is the primary objective of the Namo Didi Drone Scheme?
A) To provide employment to rural youth through drone manufacturing.
B) To empower Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing drones for agricultural use.
C) To promote the export of drones manufactured in India.
D) To train farmers in drone technology for personal use.

Answer: B) To empower Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing drones for agricultural use.

MCQ 2: 

Under the Namo Didi Drone Scheme, who is responsible for selecting the clusters and SHGs for drone usage?
A) Ministry of Agriculture only.
B) Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs).
C) State-Level Committees comprising members from various departments.
D) Pesticide companies in coordination with SHGs.

Answer: C) State-Level Committees comprising members from various departments.