Why in News?
On 3 April 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture informed Parliament that over 1,094 drones have now been distributed nationwide.
About
- State Leadership: Karnataka was recently recognised as the leading state in terms of SHG members successfully completing drone pilot training.
- Budget 2026 Expansion: The Union Budget 2026-27 (presented in February) significantly increased the allocation for the DAY-NRLM (under which this scheme operates) by 20% to ₹17,280 crore to help Drone Didis transition from service providers to full-scale "enterprise owners".
- Republic Day Honour: The "Namo Drone Didi" tableau won the first prize at the 2026 Republic Day Parade, highlighting its status as a top national priority.
Core Objectives
- Women Empowerment: To transform rural women into "Drone Pilots," breaking traditional gender roles in agritech.
- Precision Farming: To improve agricultural efficiency through the precise spraying of pesticides and nano-fertilizers.
- Economic Growth: Each SHG is targeted to earn an additional annual income of at least ₹1 lakh through rental services.
Financial Framework
- Total Outlay: ₹1,261 crore for the period 2023–24 to 2025–26.
- Heavy Subsidy: The government provides 80% financial assistance (up to a maximum of ₹8 lakh) for the purchase of drones and accessories.
- Low-Interest Loans: For the remaining 20%, SHGs can access loans under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with a 3% interest subvention.
Training & Package Details
- 15-Day Mandatory Training: Includes 5 days of DGCA-certified drone pilot training and 10 days of specialised training for agricultural nutrient application.
- Drone Assistant: A second member of the SHG (or a family member) is trained as a "Drone Assistant" to help with maintenance and repairs.
- Full Package: The drone comes with a spray assembly, 5 sets of batteries, a charger, a pH meter, an anemometer (to check wind speed), and a one-year warranty.
Implementation Strategy
- Target: Providing drones to 15,000 selected women SHGs across the country.
- LFC Coordination: Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) act as intermediaries between drone manufacturers and SHGs to ensure quality procurement and support.
- Cluster-Based Selection: Drones are deployed in areas with high demand for agricultural services and suitable terrain for drone operations.
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