Why is it in the News?

The NAMO Drone Didi Scheme provides new work opportunities to women and makes them the backbone of the rural economy.

What is the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme?

• The Prime Minister has recently approved the Central Sector Scheme (NAMO Drone Didi Scheme) for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crore.
• The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs during the period 2023-24 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes.
• The scheme seeks to empower women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and bring new technologies through drone services in the agriculture sector.

The highlights of this scheme are as follows:

• Departments involved: The scheme converges the resources and efforts of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW); Department of Rural Development (DoRD); Department of Fertilizers (DoF); Women SHGs and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs).
• Identification of SHGs: The women SHGs would be identified from the total 89 lakh SHGs formed under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana.
• Financial Assistance:
• Central Financial Assistance covering 80% of drone costs up to a maximum of Rs. 8 Lakh will be provided.
• The remaining amount can be raised through the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF) with a provision of interest subvention @ 3% on the AIF loan.
• Training:
• One of the members of SHGs will be trained in drone piloting skills and agriculture purposes of nutrient and pesticide application.
• Another member will be trained as a drone technician.
• This will allow them to not just operate the drone but also repair and maintain it.
• Nano Fertilizers: The scheme also promotes the use of Nano Fertilizers like Nano Urea and Nano DAP through drone services.
• Opportunities for Start-ups: The scheme not only empowers women but also opens avenues for dynamic start-ups in the field of drone aeronautics, tapping into significant untapped potential in this emerging sector.

Significance of the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme:

• Empowering Rural Women: Fosters technological empowerment of rural women, positioning them as the backbone of the rural economy.
• Places drone technology in the hands of women pilots from Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• Modernizing Agricultural Practices: Addresses the imperative to modernize agricultural practices.
• Aims to elevate agricultural productivity through cutting-edge technology, contributing to a new agricultural revolution.
• Job Opportunities in Drone Aeronautics: Creates opportunities in the emerging field of drone aeronautics with substantial untapped potential.
• Opens avenues for rural women as pilots, mechanics, and spare-part dealers.
• Efficient Fertigation System Development: Facilitates the development of an efficient fertigation system.
• Introduces innovative liquid fertilizers like Nano Urea and Nano DAP with foliar application.
• Time-Efficient Spraying System: Automation of the spraying system through agri-drones ensures a time-saving and efficient application system.
• Equitable Agrarian Family Culture: Contributes to making the agrarian family culture more equitable and robust.