New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted approval to a Central Sector Scheme designed to provide drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs). The scheme, with a budget of Rs. 1261 Crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2025-26, aims to empower women and introduce new agricultural technologies through drone services.
The approved scheme focuses on holistic interventions, bringing together the resources and efforts of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), the Department of Rural Development (DoRD), the Department of Fertilizers (DoF), Women SHGs, and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs). It targets the distribution of drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs for providing rental services to farmers for agricultural purposes.
Key Highlights of the Scheme:
- Identification of economically feasible drone usage clusters.
- Selection of 15,000 women SHGs for drone distribution.
- Central Financial Assistance of 80% for the cost of drones, with the remaining amount raised through the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility.
- Training of SHG members for drone piloting and agriculture-related activities.
- LFCs facilitating procurement, repair, and maintenance of drones.
- Promotion of Nano Fertilizers such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP by SHGs.
The initiative aims 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. Additionally, the scheme is expected to infuse advanced technology into agriculture, improving efficiency, enhancing crop yield, and reducing the cost of operation for the benefit of farmers.