The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given the green light to a Central Sector Scheme aimed at providing drones to Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The scheme, with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2025-26, intends to equip 15,000 selected Women SHGs with drones to offer rental services to farmers for agricultural purposes.
Aligned with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this scheme seeks to empower Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by introducing new technologies through drone services in the agriculture sector.
The key highlights of this scheme include:
Holistic interventions by converging the resources and efforts of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Department of Rural Development (DoRD), Department of Fertilizers (DoF), Women SHGs, and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs).
Identification of appropriate clusters where drone usage is economically feasible, selecting 15,000 progressive women SHGs in various States within these identified clusters for providing drones.
Central Financial Assistance of 80% of the drone’s cost and ancillary charges up to a maximum of Rs. Eight Lakh will be provided to the women SHGs for purchasing drones. The Cluster Level Federation (CLFs) of SHGs may raise the remaining amount (total procurement cost minus subsidy) as a loan under the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF), with an interest subvention of 3% on the AIF loan.
Selection and training of one qualified member of the women SHGs, 18 years and above, for a 15-day program consisting of mandatory five-day drone pilot training and an additional 10-day training for agricultural purposes related to nutrient and pesticide application. Another member or family member inclined towards electrical goods repairs, fitting, and mechanical works will be trained as a drone technician/assistant.
LFCs will act as intermediaries between drone supplier companies and SHGs, facilitating procurement, repair, and maintenance of drones. They will also promote the use of Nano Fertilizers such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP through drones.
The approved initiatives under the scheme aim to provide sustainable business and livelihood support to 15,000 SHGs, enabling them to earn an additional income of at least Rs. One lakh per annum.
This scheme is expected to infuse advanced technology into agriculture, leading to enhanced efficiency, increased crop yield, and reduced operational costs, thereby benefiting farmers significantly.