Context: Recently, the Government of India has launched the “Namo Drone Didi” scheme to empower women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).

• The scheme aims to provide drones to 14500 selected Women SHGs during the period from 2024-25 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes (application of liquid fertilizers and pesticides for the present).

About Namo Drone Didi Scheme

• Origin: Launched by the Government of India under the DAY-NRLM initiative.

• Aim: To provide women SHGs with drones for agriculture-related services, empowering them with new income sources while enhancing farming efficiency.

• Ministry: Administered by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the Ministry of Rural Development.

• Significance: It is envisaged that the initiatives under the scheme will provide sustainable business and livelihood support to SHGs and they would be able to earn additional income for them.

Key Features

• Financial Support: Central Financial Assistance covering 80% of the drone cost, capped at Rs 8 lakh per drone.

• Loan Assistance: SHGs can secure loans for the remaining cost through the National Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with 3% interest subvention.

• Drone Package: Includes drones with spray systems, additional battery sets, training for a pilot and drone assistant, a one-year warranty, two years of maintenance, and insurance.

• Training and Support: SHG members receive 15-day training for drone operation, maintenance, and agricultural use.

• Implementation: State-level Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) and State Departments manage implementation, with drones allocated to SHG clusters.

• Monitoring: An IT-based Management Information System (MIS) Drone Portal will monitor drone operations and service delivery.