In the 122nd episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised rural women who are now flying drones under the Namo Drone Didi scheme. He called them "Sky Warriors" and said they are bringing a new revolution to Indian agriculture. How are these women changing farming with drones? Can this new role make their lives better and farming smarter?
In this news, you will learn everything about the Namo Drone Didi scheme, including its launch date, key features, and benefits. You will also understand who is eligible for the scheme and how to apply online.
Additionally, we will explore the recent developments, their impact, and the future scope of the scheme. Apart from this, we will learn what is making this scheme news across the country currently.
Launched on November 30, 2024, the Namo Drone Didi scheme is more than just a government initiative, it’s a movement. With an impressive budget of ₹1,261 crores, the scheme was introduced under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
The scope? To equip 14,500 women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with modern drone technology and help them become service providers in agriculture. Imagine women from villages not just working on farms but managing drones, offering spray services, monitoring crops, and supporting farmers, all while earning a steady income. That’s the vision behind this scheme.
Apart from Prime Minister Modi’s heartfelt recognition, the Namo Drone Didi scheme has been making national headlines for its transformative impact. States such as Haryana have led by the way in training 5,000 women belonging to 500 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to fly drones and deliver modern agriculture services. The novel combination of technology and empowerment of women has put the scheme at the forefront of national attention.
Adding to its global recognition, Microsoft founder Bill Gates also praised the Namo Drone Didi program. He highlighted its role in empowering rural women and improving agricultural productivity. Gates even shared a video on his social media platforms, showcasing the program’s impact and the inspiring stories of the women who are making it a success.
So what makes this scheme so unique? It offers features that strongly support women in agriculture. They are equipped with the right tools and training to operate drones confidently and provide farming services.
This scheme has the potential to be a large game-changer on several fronts.This scheme could empower rural women economically. Through renting drones to farmers, they can generate a source of income while acquiring new skills in modern agriculture.
For farmers, it translates to precision farming. Drones provide even application of herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides, conserving resources, saving money, and preserving the environment. The drones, equipped with GPS and sensors, track precise flight routes, providing effective coverage.
But it doesn’t stop there. Women also learn to monitor crop health, perform soil analysis, and assist with irrigation management by identifying leaks and dry patches. It’s a perfect example of how one initiative can uplift both technology and tradition.
The scheme is open exclusively to Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed under DAY-NRLM. But not just any SHG can apply. There’s a process to ensure drones go where they’re truly needed:
Here’s where the scheme gets even better. Each SHG receives up to 80% central financial assistance for the drone and its accessories up to ₹8 lakh. For the remaining amount, they can apply for a loan through the Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF), which comes with a 3% interest subvention.
That’s not all SHGs can also raise funds through other government schemes under the Ministry of Rural Development. This flexible funding model ensures no SHG is left behind because of financial constraints.
If you belong to a Women SHG and wish to become a Drone Didi, you can apply online by reaching out to your District Rural Development Authority (DRDA) or Cluster Level Federation (CLF). They will assist you through the eligibility verification process and get the process started.
Look for official websites of the Ministry of Rural Development or the local government website for application links, guidelines, and notifications.
The Namo Drone Didi scheme is a powerful step towards gender equality, farm modernisation, and rural development. It breaks stereotypes, builds new livelihoods, and shows the world that when women rise, they take everyone along with them.
With the Namo Drone Didi scheme, we’re witnessing a new era where women fly high, both literally and figuratively. They are no longer just helping in the fields; they are leading the way in modern farming practices.
These women now play a central role in India’s agri-tech ecosystem. Their training includes aerial surveys, pesticide spraying, crop monitoring, and precision agriculture skills that were once unthinkable in rural settings. They’re not just Drone Didis. They are mentors, service providers, entrepreneurs, and a shining example of what happens when empowerment meets opportunity.
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