NAMO Drone Didi Scheme(Yojana)

The NaMo Drone Didi scheme is a forward-thinking initiative launched by the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to empower rural women and enhance agricultural productivity through drone technology. As part of the Sashakt Nari-Viksit Bharat program, the scheme aims to provide women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) access to drones for agricultural and logistic purposes.

Key Features of the Scheme

1. Drones for Agricultural Use

The government will provide agricultural drones to 15,000 women-led SHGs. These drones will support tasks like crop monitoring, pesticide spraying, and seed sowing, helping improve agricultural efficiency and reduce manual labor.

2. Employment and Entrepreneurship

Women trained under the scheme, termed “Drone Didis,” will use the drones not only for agricultural services but also for delivery tasks such as transporting milk, groceries, and medicines in rural areas. This initiative aims to make these women financially self-reliant.

3. Financial Support

The scheme includes a subsidy of 80% of the drone cost (up to ₹8 lakh), with the remaining 20% covered by loans available at subsidized interest rates. Around ₹1,261 crore has been allocated for this scheme.

4. Training and Maintenance

Participants undergo a 15-day pilot training, with additional sessions on repair and maintenance. Training is provided by DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs).

5. Broad Impact

The government expects each SHG to manage up to 2,500 acres annually using drones. Additionally, the initiative is supported by IT-based management systems to monitor usage and services.

Wider Goals

The scheme is part of the government’s larger objective to create 3 crore “Lakhpati Didis” (women earning ₹1 lakh annually) by providing tools for entrepreneurship and self-sustainability.

Implementation

The program operates with the involvement of state departments, drone manufacturers, and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) to streamline procurement and ensure effective training and operational deployment of drones.

This initiative reflects India’s vision to combine women empowerment, rural development, and modern technology for inclusive growth