Namo Drone Didi Scheme - Features, Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply Online

Namo Drone Didi scheme, Namo Drone Didi scheme launch date, Namo Drone Didi scheme features, Namo Drone Didi scheme benefits, Namo Drone Didi scheme eligibility, Namo Drone Didi scheme apply online

On 30 November 2024, the government launched the Namo Drone Didi scheme, a central sector scheme for providing drones to Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the DAY-NRLM. With an outlay of Rs. 1,261 crores, it aims to equip 14,500 selected Women SHGs with drone technology from 2024-25 to 2025-2026. 

Know all about the Namo Drone Didi scheme, its features, benefits and eligibility.

Namo Drone Didi scheme 

The Namo Drone Didi scheme aims to empower women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing them with drone technology to rent to farmers for agricultural purposes, such as applying liquid fertilisers and pesticides. 

This scheme is a collaborative venture between the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Department of Rural Development, the Department of Fertilizers, Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs), and other supporting entities.

Under the scheme, the SHG groups in rural areas under the DAY-NRLM will be selected for the rightful area or cluster where there is a demand for drones to provide agriculture services.

The demand from the farmers for drone services, based on their commitment, will be evaluated for selecting the area or cluster, which will become the basis for selecting SHGs. Appropriate clusters where the use of drones is economically feasible will be identified.

Namo Drone Didi scheme launch date

The Namo Drone Didi scheme was launched on 30 November 2024.

Namo Drone Didi scheme features

Governing Body

The Namo Didi scheme is governed at the central level by the Empowered Committee of the Secretaries of the Department of Rural Development, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Department of Fertilizers and Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Monitoring

Since the introduction of drones in agriculture is at the beginning stage, the states will monitor the interventions, help women SHGs manage an area of at least 2,000 to 2,500 acres in a year and provide handholding support to the women SHGs. The state departments will select SHGs based on agricultural demand, and every SHG is expected to manage around 2,000–2,500 acres annually under their support and guidance.

Training 

From the selected women SHGs, one member will be selected for a 15-day training consisting of mandatory drone pilot training and additional training for agriculture purposes to apply nutrients and pesticides on crops. Another member or family member of the SHG inclined to take up repairs of electrical goods, fittings, and mechanical works will be trained as a drone assistant. The drone manufacturers will also provide this training as a package along with the drone supply as per the training schedule provided in the operational guidelines.

Lead Fertilizer Companies to be Implementing Agency

The Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) in the respective states are the implementing agencies of this scheme at the state level. They are responsible for the necessary coordination with the state departments, drone manufacturers, cluster-level federations of SHGs, farmers or beneficiaries, etc. 

The LFCs will procure the drones in a transparent and fair manner, and the ownership of the drone will be placed with the SHGs or the Cluster Level Federation (CLF) of the SHGs.

Drone Portal

Effective monitoring of the scheme will be through a Drone portal, an IT based Management Information System (MIS). This portal will act as end-to-end software for monitoring and service delivery, disbursement of funds and funds flow. It will also track operations of all drones and provide live information on drone usage.

The State Departments of Agriculture and State Mission Directors of DAY-NRLM will converge and take the ownership of the scheme for its implementation at the ground level with the help of State Level Committee.

Namo Drone Didi scheme benefits

• Central financial assistance of 80% of the drone cost and accessories or ancillary charges up to a maximum of Rs. 8 lakh is provided to the women SHGs to purchase drones as a package.
• The CLFs or SHGs can raise the balance amount (total cost of procurement minus subsidy) as a loan under the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF). The AIF loan will also be provided with an interest subvention of 3%. The CLFs or SHGs can also get loans from other sources, schemes, or programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development. 
• Under the scheme, a package will also be supplied along with the drones. The package will consist of a basic drone with a spray assembly to spray liquid pesticides and fertilizers, a standard battery set, a drone carrying box, a dual-channel fast battery charger, a downward-facing camera, an anemometer, battery charger hub, and pH meter with a one-year warranty, two-year annual maintenance, and comprehensive insurance.
• The drone package will include four spare battery sets, a nozzle set, one spare propeller set (each set containing six propellers), a battery charger hub, a dual-channel fast battery charger, and 15 days of training for the drone pilot and assistant. The additional set of batteries will ensure continuous drone flying, which can easily cover 20 acres in a day.
• Drone technology enhances the precise application of fertilizers and pesticides, transforming traditional agricultural practices. Additionally, drones can be programmed to follow precise flight paths over fields since they are equipped with advanced GPS and sensor technology, ensuring targeted and even application. This precision reduces chemical overuse, lowering costs for farmers and minimising environmental impact.
• The scheme provides specialised training to women in drone technology. It enables them to acquire advanced skills in modern agricultural practices, such as accurately applying pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides and ensuring optimal usage and even distribution.  It also enables them to efficiently perform tasks like soil analysis, crop monitoring, and precision farming.
• Field analysis and soil are streamlined with drones, enabling fertility assessments and detailed surveys. Women can enhance irrigation management by detecting leaks, identifying areas needing less or more water, and managing water resources efficiently.
• This scheme provides women SHGs access to industry experts, agricultural professionals, and mentors, creating mentorship and professional growth avenues.

Namo Drone Didi scheme eligibility

• Progressive women SHGs under the DAY-NRLM
• Women SHGs involved in agricultural activities
• Qualified women from the SHGs 

A qualified woman from the SHGs will receive 15-day training consisting of 5-day mandatory drone pilot training and an additional 10 days of training for agriculture purposes to apply nutrients and pesticides.

A Committee at the state level will select the appropriate clusters and SHGs under the DAY-NRLM to provide drones under this scheme. The Committee comprises of LFC, the State Agriculture Department, the State Mission Directorate of DAY-NRLM and representatives from the ICAR institutions, State Agricultural University (SAU) or Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). 

The state-level Committee will also be responsible for selecting members of the women SHGs for drone pilot and assistant training, availability and existing gap, assessment of district-wise drone usage and identifying the future requirements, providing or ensuring business to selected women SHGs in coordination with the LFCs and pesticide companies, etc.

Namo Drone Didi scheme apply online

The application process for the Namo Drone Didi scheme is yet to begin.

The Namo Drone Didi scheme will provide sustainable livelihood and business support to SHGs, allowing them to earn additional income. The scheme will introduce advanced technology in agriculture for enhanced crop yield, improved efficiency, and reduced operation cost, benefiting farmers.

This scheme takes a significant step to advance agricultural practices while empowering women in rural areas. It promises to provide a sustainable income source for SHGs, revolutionise farming practices, and inspire a new generation of women entrepreneurs in rural India.

Related Scheme Articles:
1. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme
2. Post Office Saving Scheme 
3. Top Performing NPS Schemes 
4. Post Office Scheme To Double Your Money 
5. Mahila Samman Saving Certificate Scheme 
6. NPS Vatsalya Scheme
7. SBI Amrit Vrishti Scheme
8. LIC Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme
9. PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme
10. LIC Bima Sakhi Yojana
11. Adabidda Nidhi Scheme