Namo Drone Didi Scheme
Introduction of Scheme
Launched on India’s 77th Independence Day—15th August 2023—the Namo Drone Didi Scheme is an ambitious initiative by the Government of India to bring modern agricultural practices within reach of rural women collectives. Spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, the scheme equips Registered Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) with commercial drones for agricultural services, making technology an accessible income source in rural India.
The goal is dual-fold: boost agricultural productivity through drone-based spraying of fertilizers and pesticides and provide a livelihood opportunity for women. Around 15,000 SHGs are targeted to receive drone kits along with professional training, thereby contributing to “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in both agriculture and women empowerment.
Explore full details here
Benefits Provided
The scheme offers several tangible and structured benefits to eligible SHGs:
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Financial Aid: 80% subsidy or up to ₹8,00,000 (whichever is lower) on drone cost, accessories, and related charges.
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Affordable Credit: Remaining cost can be financed through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with a 3% interest subvention.
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Skill Development: Free drone pilot training (15 days) and assistant training (5 days) conducted at DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs).
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Income Potential: SHGs can earn up to ₹1 lakh annually by renting drone services to local farmers.
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Drone Package: Includes advanced equipment like spare batteries, spray nozzles, generators, charger hub, and even an Annual Maintenance Contract for 2 years.
These benefits aim to transform women into tech-enabled agripreneurs.
Read the official benefits breakdown
Eligibility Required
To apply under this initiative, applicants must satisfy the following prerequisites:
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The applicant must be a Registered Women Self Help Group under DAY-NRLM.
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SHG must nominate:
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One woman for drone pilot training.
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One woman for drone assistant training.
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Each nominated woman must:
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Be aged between 18 to 50 years.
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Be at least a 10th pass.
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Be physically and mentally fit for training and drone operation.
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The drones must strictly be used for agricultural spraying services and not for personal or non-agricultural use.
Ineligibility
The scheme is not open to:
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Unregistered or informally formed SHGs.
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SHGs with members outside the specified age or education limits.
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Applicants who plan to use drones for non-agricultural or commercial non-farm activities.
Documents Needed
The following documents must be submitted along with the application form:
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SHG Registration Certificate or Number.
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Aadhaar Card of the nominated women members.
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Bank account details of the SHG (with IFSC).
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Valid mobile number and email ID of the applicant or SHG.
All documents must be legible and verified before submission.
Refer document checklist here
How Beneficiary Can Apply
Step-by-Step Process:
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Selection by Committee: State or district-level committees under the scheme shortlist eligible SHGs.
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Nomination: Shortlisted SHGs must nominate two members (pilot + assistant).
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Training: The nominated women undergo free training at RPTOs, after which they receive a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) and become certified “Drone Didis”.
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Subsidy Disbursement: Once training is completed and drone is procured, the subsidy (up to ₹8 lakh) is directly credited to the SHG’s bank account.
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Implementation: Drones are used by SHGs to offer spraying services to local farmers at rental costs.
For assistance, SHGs can approach their local Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendra or Gram Panchayat.
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