The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Government of India on November 30, 2023. It aims at rural empowerment through technology, and in this scheme, drones are being provided to Women- Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to use for agriculture, including spraying fertilizers and pesticides.
Traditionally, farming in India has been mostly manual – spraying fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds constituted a time-consuming and inefficient process. The drones simply accomplish the same faster, with greater precision. To facilitate such technology access, the government has kept aside the amount of ₹1261 crores for the scheme from 2023-24 to 2025-26, targeting distributing drones to 15,000 selected Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the country.
Women empowerment in agriculture means equipping women with modern tools like drones to boost farming productivity and build self-reliance. This scheme creates employment avenues and simultaneously works towards the Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat missions. By training SHG women to be drone pilots and service providers, SHG will earn extra income and support small and marginal farmers by making farming more efficient.
Key Features of the Scheme:
- 80% of Drone Cost as a Subsidy up to 8 Lakhs
- Drone Pilot training as a part of the Drone Package
- Renting of Drone Spray Service to Farmers through Women SHGs
- Subsidy to Women DAY NRL-SHGs for Purchase of Drone
- Loan facility from AIF for the remaining cost of the drone
- Easy Loan @ 3% interest rate
- Chance to earn an additional 1 lakh PA through the drone
Objectives of Namo Drone Didi Scheme
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme has the following primary objectives:
- Empowering women in agriculture – To provide SHG members with modern drone technology to participate in agricultural activities and make decisions.
- Increasing agricultural productivity – To facilitate faster, accurate, and cost-effective spraying of fertilisers, pesticides, and seeds.
- Support Digital India & Atmanirbhar Bharat – Bringing in new-age technology to rural areas, reducing hardware dependency, and supporting self-reliant farming methods.
Eligibility Requirements for Namo Drone Didi Scheme
In order for applicants to be eligible for benefits from the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, they must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement Criteria | Information |
| Who can apply? | Registered Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM |
| Eligible Members | At least 1 woman from the SHG will be chosen and trained as a Drone Pilot/Operator |
| Age of Eligible Member | Must be 18 years or older and physically fit |
| Location | SHG must be located in rural / agricultural areas |
| Financial Assistance | 80% subsidy (up to ₹8 lakh) + loan facility under AIF at 3% interest for remaining cost |
| Usage Condition | Drones must be used only for agricultural purposes (fertilizer/pesticide spraying, seed sowing, crop monitoring, etc.) and provided as a rental service to farmers |
Benefits of the Namo Drone Didi Scheme
- Women Empowerment – The scheme provides women with hands-on training in drone technology, creating valuable skills for modern farming.
- Better Farm Productivity – The drone ensures the spraying of fertiliser and pesticides through accurate GPS-based flight paths, guaranteeing uniform coverage of the product.
- Skill-Building and Modern Farming Practices – Using drones allows participating women to apply fertilisers and pesticides, conduct soil surveys, and manage irrigation.
- Community Development and Networking – This scheme provides an opportunity for women SHG members to get linked with other women members for knowledge sharing, conducting workshops, and receiving exposure to experts in agricultural and drone operations.
How to Apply for the Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
- Go to the nearest authorised agriculture department office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), or the bank branch that is authorised under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme.
- Get an application form for the Namo Drone Didi Scheme.
- Provide details of the SHG and the member and attach the required documents.
- Submit the application form and declare as required.
- Eligible SHGs will receive approval for the drone subsidy/loan facility after verification of documents and information contained in the application forms.
Documents Required for Namo Drone Didi Scheme Application:
- Identity Proof
- Address Proof
- Age Proof
- Educational Qualification Certificate
- SHG Registration Proof
- Bank Account Details
- Loan-Related Documents (if applicable)
- Photographs
- Training Certificate
Conclusion
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is an innovative scheme by the Government of India, which brings together women empowerment and modern agriculture. The scheme promotes and introduces smart farming to women Self Help Groups (SHGs) through drones, while also creating opportunities for entrepreneurship in rural areas. It will provide training, subsidies, and finance, and create pathways to better crop productivity, lower agriculture costs, and create income for women.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Not every woman is eligible; only Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) that are registered under DAY-NRLM are eligible
No, Only Women Self Help Groups are allowed to apply for Namo Drone Didi Scheme. However, the Drone Pilot training will be provided for one woman in the SHG
The government provides a subsidy of 80% on the cost of the drone (capped at ₹8 lakh). The remaining balance can be applied for as a loan at 3% interest under AIF