The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is a Central Government programme that connects rural women with modern farming technology. Under this scheme, selected women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) receive support to operate agricultural drones. These groups can provide drone spraying services to nearby farmers and earn income from the work.
The scheme has two main goals. It aims to create a new livelihood for rural women and make farm work faster, safer and more efficient. Women receive equipment, training and technical support so that they can build a useful service business in their village or farming cluster.
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What Is the Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
Namo Drone Didi is a Central Sector Scheme for selected women SHGs under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The Government approved the scheme with an outlay of ₹1,261 crore.
It aims to provide drones to 15,000 women SHGs. The implementation period covers 2024-25 and 2025-26. These drones are mainly used to spray liquid fertilisers and pesticides. The SHGs can rent their services to farmers and collect a service charge.
The Government expects this activity to help a participating SHG earn additional income of around ₹1 lakh per year. However, this amount is not guaranteed. Real earnings depend on local demand, the area covered, service rates and operating expenses.
Main Objectives of Namo Drone Didi
The programme is not simply about distributing drones. It is designed to create small rural businesses run by women. Its major objectives are:
- To train rural women in modern drone technology.
- To create a sustainable source of income for women SHGs.
- To make fertiliser and pesticide spraying quicker and more precise.
- To reduce difficult manual work in agricultural fields.
- To offer advanced farm services to local farmers at a reasonable charge.
- To improve the role of women in rural business and decision-making.
Financial Assistance Under the Scheme
Agricultural drones and their accessories can be costly. To reduce this burden, the scheme provides Central Financial Assistance equal to 80% of the approved cost of the drone and related items. The maximum assistance is ₹8 lakh.
The Cluster Level Federation or SHG may arrange the balance amount through a loan under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). A 3% interest subvention is available on an eligible AIF loan. Groups may also use other suitable loan programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development, according to the applicable rules.
What Is Included in the Drone Package?
The approved package is meant to help the SHG start its service properly. It may include:
- An agricultural drone with a liquid spray system
- Standard and spare battery sets
- Battery chargers and a charging hub
- Spare propellers and nozzles
- Training for the drone pilot and assistant
- One-year comprehensive insurance
- Warranty and maintenance support as prescribed
Additional batteries allow the operator to continue working while other batteries charge. Under suitable conditions, the system may cover about 20 acres in a day. Actual coverage can change according to the crop, field shape, weather and drone capacity.
Who Is Eligible for the Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
The scheme is meant for selected women SHGs, not for every woman as an individual benefit. The group should normally be active under DAY-NRLM and located in a rural area where farmers need drone services.
Selection may depend on the following points:
- The SHG is active and connected with the rural livelihood mission.
- Farmers in the area require drone spraying services.
- The cluster has enough cultivable land to support regular work.
- The proposed service can operate as a practical business.
- A suitable SHG member is available for pilot training.
- The group is recommended through the authorised state-level process.
Officials identify suitable areas after studying farmer demand. States are expected to help selected groups find enough business, with an operational aim of covering about 2,000 to 2,500 acres in a year.
Training Provided to Drone Didis
One qualified member of a selected SHG receives 15 days of training. This includes mandatory drone pilot instruction and additional training for agricultural work, such as applying nutrients and pesticides.
Another SHG member or a family member who is interested in electrical, fitting or mechanical work may be trained as a drone assistant. The assistant can help with batteries, basic maintenance, field preparation and equipment checks.
The pilot must understand weather, safe distance, battery use and correct spray settings. She must also follow aviation rules and safety instructions while handling farm chemicals.
Benefits for Farmers
Farmers can hire a nearby SHG instead of purchasing an expensive drone. This makes the technology more accessible to small and marginal farmers.
A drone can cover farmland faster than many manual methods. When used correctly, it can support more uniform spraying. Workers also avoid walking through tall, wet or chemically treated crops. Quick spraying can be useful when farmers need to treat a large area within a short time.
However, the drone must be used responsibly. Operators should check the permitted product, correct dose, crop stage and weather conditions. Drone use cannot replace good agricultural advice.
How to Apply for the Namo Drone Didi Scheme
There is generally no single national form through which an individual woman can directly claim a free drone. Selection takes place through DAY-NRLM groups, rural clusters and authorised state agencies.
An interested SHG can follow these steps:
- Contact its Village Organisation or Cluster Level Federation.
- Visit the block or district office of the State Rural Livelihood Mission.
- Ask the local Agriculture Department about current drone clusters and selection.
- Keep the SHG’s bank, member and DAY-NRLM records updated.
- Collect information showing demand from farmers in the proposed service area.
- Nominate a suitable member who can complete training and operate the drone.
- Complete the verification, training and financing steps given by officials.
Applicants should use only official departments and recognised mission staff. No one should pay an unknown agent who promises guaranteed selection or an immediate free drone.
Documents That May Be Required
The exact list can vary by state. A group may need its SHG or DAY-NRLM details, bank account records, member information, meeting records, identity documents, contact details and Cluster Level Federation documents. Officials may also ask for information about the local farming area and expected demand.
Groups should confirm the latest list with their State Rural Livelihood Mission or Agriculture Department.
Important Points to Remember
- The scheme supports selected women SHGs, not every individual applicant.
- Financial assistance is 80% of the eligible cost, subject to a limit of ₹8 lakh.
- The remaining cost may require a loan or another approved funding source.
- Training and safe drone operation are compulsory.
- Additional income is expected, but it is not guaranteed.
- Selection and document requirements can differ between states.
- Only official government and DAY-NRLM channels should be trusted.
Conclusion
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme brings together women’s empowerment, rural business and smart agriculture. It helps selected women SHGs use costly technology with financial assistance, training and technical support. Farmers can also access modern spraying services without buying a drone.
Women SHGs interested in the scheme should contact their local DAY-NRLM office or Agriculture Department and follow current official instructions. With proper training, regular demand and safe operation, a Drone Didi can become a skilled technology operator and a successful rural entrepreneur.
Official References
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