Namo Drone Didi Scheme

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DoA&FW) has launched the Namo Drone Didi Scheme to equip 14,500 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with drones for agricultural services, promoting technology-driven empowerment under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).

The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at integrating drone technology into Indian agriculture while empowering women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs). By providing financial assistance and training, the scheme ensures that SHGs can leverage drones for spraying fertilizers and pesticides, thereby enhancing crop productivity and reducing input costs. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader vision of women-led rural economic development and precision agriculture.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) play a crucial role in rural empowerment. Through the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, these SHGs will gain access to advanced agricultural technology, fostering economic independence and sustainable farming practices.

What are Self-Help groups?

These are community-based groups that work collectively to achieve financial independence and skill development.

Financial Assistance

• 80% of the drone cost covered by the Central Government (up to ₹8 lakh per drone).
• Additional funding available through the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF).

Drone Package & Training

• Comprehensive package includes:
  • Drone with essential accessories (batteries, spray equipment, tools).
  • One-year warranty for maintenance support.
  • Training for SHG Members:
    • Mandatory 15-day pilot training for one SHG member.
    • Additional training for nutrient and pesticide application in agriculture.

Implementation Mechanism

Central-Level Governance

• Empowered Committee of Secretaries from:
  • Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DoA&FW)
  • Department of Rural Development
  • Department of Fertilizers
  • Ministry of Civil Aviation
  • Ministry of Women and Child Development

State-Level Implementation

• Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) coordinate with:
  • State agriculture departments.
  • Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for drone distribution and operation.

The governing agencies involved ensure smooth implementation of the scheme, focusing on technological integration, funding support, and training programs.

Read this article here: India's Agricultural Sector

Women Empowerment & Financial Inclusion

• Equips 14,500 Women SHGs with drones, creating new livelihood opportunities.
• Promotes economic independence by enabling SHGs to offer commercial drone-based agricultural services.
• Encourages women’s participation in agritech, a traditionally male-dominated sector.

Enhancing Agricultural Productivity

• Precision farming ensures efficient and uniform application of fertilizers and pesticides.
• Reduces input costs and minimizes wastage, leading to higher crop yields.
• Lowers dependency on manual labor, improving efficiency in farm operations.

Sustainability & Environmental Benefits

• Reduces excessive chemical usage, lowering soil and water contamination.
• Minimizes water consumption compared to traditional spray methods.
• Supports climate-smart agriculture by reducing the carbon footprint of agricultural practices.

Boosting Rural Economy & Entrepreneurship

• Provides an additional income source for SHGs through drone rental services.
• Encourages agripreneurship by integrating technology into traditional farming methods.
• Strengthens rural supply chains by making modern equipment accessible to small and marginal farmers.

Technology Adoption in Indian Agriculture

• Accelerates the adoption of drones in farming, bridging the gap between traditional and modern agriculture.
• Encourages digitization and automation in agriculture, aligning with the government's Digital India vision.
• Creates a skilled workforce trained in agricultural drone operations.

Employment Generation & Skill Development

• Generates direct employment through SHG-driven drone operations.
• Provides technical training and certification, improving rural women's employability.
• Encourages partnerships between SHGs, agritech startups, and government agencies for long-term growth.

Aligning with Government Policies

• Supports the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) by fostering rural self-reliance.
• Contributes to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by localizing agricultural technology.
• Complements PM-Kisan & other agricultural schemes by improving farm efficiency and profitability.

High Initial Cost & Maintenance

• Despite 80% financial assistance, the remaining cost and recurring maintenance expenses may burden SHGs.
• Ensuring access to affordable spare parts and repair services is crucial.

Limited Technical Expertise

• Operating and maintaining drones require specialized skills.
• A 15-day training may not be sufficient for long-term operational efficiency.

Regulatory & Safety Concerns

• Compliance with DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) regulations is necessary.
• Safety risks related to drone operation, airspace restrictions, and technical failures need to be addressed.

Infrastructure & Connectivity Issues

• Rural areas may lack reliable internet connectivity and charging facilities for drones.
• Limited access to repair centers can disrupt operations.

Adoption Barriers Among Farmers

• Many small and marginal farmers may be reluctant to adopt drone-based services due to lack of awareness and trust.
• High rental costs for drone services may deter economically weaker farmers.

Scalability & Monitoring

• Ensuring effective implementation across 14,500 SHGs requires robust monitoring mechanisms.
• The coordination between multiple departments and private players may lead to administrative delays.

Subsidized Maintenance & Service Support

• Establish a network of service centers in rural areas for affordable repairs and spare parts.
• Provide additional financial support for maintenance under government schemes.

Enhanced Training & Skill Development

• Extend training programs beyond 15 days, including refresher courses.
• Collaborate with agricultural universities and agritech startups for continuous learning.

Regulatory Easing & Safety Framework

• Simplify drone licensing processes for SHGs while ensuring safety compliance.
• Implement a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism for drone-related operational issues.

Infrastructure Development

• Invest in rural digital infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted connectivity for drone operations.
• Promote solar-powered drone charging stations for remote areas.

Awareness & Farmer Outreach Programs

• Conduct field demonstrations to showcase the benefits of drone technology.
• Offer subsidized drone services for small farmers to encourage adoption.

Read this article here: National Mission on Natural Farming

Robust Monitoring & Evaluation

• Use digital platforms for real-time tracking of drone usage and impact assessment.
• Establish local-level committees to oversee implementation and resolve challenges faced by SHGs.

The Namo Drone Didi Scheme marks a significant step towards women-led agricultural innovation. By integrating drone technology into rural farming, the initiative enhances economic opportunities, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability. The scheme not only empowers women SHGs but also paves the way for a technology-driven agricultural revolution in India, making precision farming more accessible and efficient.

The governing agencies play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of the scheme, helping to provide financial, technical, and policy support to SHGs. 

What is the contribution of the agriculture sector to India's GDP?

• The agriculture sector contributes around 18% of India’s GDP, playing a crucial role in employment and rural livelihoods.

What are drones?

• Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are remote-controlled aircraft used for various applications, including surveillance, logistics, and precision agriculture.

How does the Namo Drone Didi Scheme ensure health benefits for farmers?

• The scheme reduces direct exposure to harmful pesticides and fertilizers by enabling drone-based spraying, minimizing health risks for farmers.