Introduction
Launched on 30 November 2023, the NaMo Drone Didi Scheme aims to transform agricultural technology access and rural livelihoods by empowering up to 15,000 Women Self‑Help Groups (SHGs) with drone spray capabilities. Backed by a ₹1,261‑crore central outlay over 2023‑25 to 2025‑26, the scheme offers 80% subsidy (up to ₹8 lakh) per drone, pilot and technical training, and market access support. It sits at the intersection of rural tech, women empowerment, and sustainable agriculture.
Scheme Outline & Institutional Setup
➤ Objectives & Coverage
The scheme targets 14,500–15,000 SHGs under DAY‑NRLM across India, enabling them to offer drone-based spraying services (fertilizers, pesticides, nano‑urea) to local farmers—generating at least ₹1 lakh annual income per SHG. ([turn0search0]turn0search4])
➤ Financial Support & Loan Facilitation
Government subsidy covers 80% of drone and accessory costs (up to ₹8 lakh). The remaining 20% can be covered via low-interest loans (3%) under National Agriculture Infrastructure Financing Facility (AIF). ([turn0search1]turn0search6])
➤ Training & Skill Development
Each SHG nominates one drone pilot trainee (15‑day training: 5 days remote pilot, 10 days agricultural spraying) and another trainee for drone maintenance/technician roles. The package also includes drone accessories, warranty, spare parts, and annual maintenance. ([turn0search1]turn0search6])
➤ Governance & Monitoring Framework
At the central level, an Empowered Committee of Secretaries (DoA&FW, Rural Development, Women & Child Development, Fertilizers, Civil Aviation) oversees implementation. State-level coordination is managed by Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) working with SHGs and state DAY‑NRLM machinery. A dedicated Drone Portal MIS tracks disbursement, services, usage, and outcomes. ([turn0search2]turn0search9])
Implementation & Impact on the Ground
✅ Pilot Success in Varanasi
In Varanasi, nine local “Drone Didis” trained via Telangana State Agricultural University sprayed around 2,581 acres, earning collectively ₹3.38 lakh in 10 months, using drones valued at ₹15 lakh. Each drone sprayed about 10 litres per acre in 10 minutes—delivering efficiency and income to both farmers and SHGs. ([turn0news12])
✅ Industry Engagement & Scale Orders
Garuda Aerospace has secured orders for 500 Kisan drones (₹20 crore value) under this scheme from major fertilizer companies, signaling expanding private sector contribution to rural tech adoption. Over 185 women have been trained so far under the scheme. ([turn0search3])
✅ National Recognition & Advocacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during ‘Mann Ki Baat’ (May 2025), praised “Drone Didis” as India’s “sky warriors,” highlighting their role in agricultural transformation and women’s empowerment. ([turn0news13])
Benefits: Technology, Equity & Efficiency
➤ Women Empowerment & Livelihood Generation
The scheme enables rural women-led SHGs to become tech-enabled service providers—earning income, gaining respect, and diversifying beyond traditional roles. Precision spraying reduces drudgery and opens sustainable business models. ([turn0search5]turn0search8])
➤ Agricultural Efficiency & Sustainability
Drones ensure precise, uniform application of pesticides/ fertilizers, improving yields, reducing chemical overuse, minimizing health hazards, and reducing environmental footprint. Faster operations (1 acre/10 min) cut costs and save time. ([turn0search5]turn0search8])
➤ Skill Development & Rural Tech Ecosystem
Drone operation and maintenance training builds agri‑tech skills among women. The initiative supports domestic drone industries, aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, and prepares a future workforce in high-demand sectors. ([turn0search5]turn0search11])
Challenges & Risk Considerations
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Maintenance & Sustainability: Long-term operation needs access to spare parts and repairs in rural areas, which may be limited. ([turn0search8])
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Training Adequacy: Fifteen days may be insufficient for mastering maintenance or complex operations. Additional refresher courses may be needed. ([turn0search8])
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Regulatory Compliance: SHGs must comply with DGCA norms, airspace restrictions, and safety regulations—still evolving in implementation. ([turn0search8])
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Digital & Infrastructure Barriers: Connectivity issues, charging infrastructure, and MIS adoption may challenge seamless use in remote areas. ([turn0search8])
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Farmer Uptake & Affordability: Awareness gaps and cost sensitivity among small farmers may slow adoption of rental drone services. ([turn0search8])
Recommendations to Strengthen Impact
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Enhance Technical Ecosystem
Establish regional drone service and repair centres; extend technician training beyond initial pilot. -
Ongoing Capacity Building
Set up periodic refresher training and helpline support; consider mobile training units to reach remote SHGs. -
Regulatory Support & Safety Protocols
Clarify DGCA directives, airspace rules in rural zones, and ensure insurance/security protocols for operations. -
Farmer Awareness & Affordable Pricing
Conduct local camps, demonstrations, and subsidized introductory pricing to build farmer trust and uptake. -
Robust Monitoring & Impact Tracking
Use Drone Portal MIS data to monitor acres covered, income generation, chemical-use reduction, and service uptake; publish dashboards. -
Private Sector & Multi-stakeholder Partnerships
Encourage industry (drone OEMs, fintech, Agri platforms) to partner with SHGs in service delivery, drone leasing, and supply chain linkages.
Conclusion
The NaMo Drone Didi Scheme represents a bold and innovative convergence of agri‑technology, gender empowerment, and rural entrepreneurship. By enabling women SHGs to pilot and rent drones for crop spraying, the programme offers a sustainable income of ₹1 lakh/year per SHG while increasing agricultural efficiency and modernizing farming practices.
While early successes in Varanasi and engagement by industry players demonstrate promise, scaling the model demands attention to maintenance infrastructure, enhanced training, regulatory clarity, and farmer adoption strategies. If backed by functional monitoring, partnerships, and inclusion of digitally underserved communities, Drone Didis could become a scalable pillar of India’s rural tech and women‑empowerment ecosystem.