NAMO (New Agriculture Market Order) Drone Didi Scheme

Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry during his address at the International Innovation Conclave organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI)said that the government is ready to promote the drone industry that has seen rapid growth in the last three years. 

• Development of the drone ecosystem and deploying them in villages across the nation aligns with the PM’s NAMO Drone Didi initiative that will help empower the women in the agriculture sector.

Benefits of drones in the agriculture sector

Here are some of the key benefits of using drones in agriculture:

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• Improved efficiency: Drones can cover large areas of land quickly and efficiently, allowing farmers to gather data and monitor crops more effectively.
  • This can help to identify issues early, leading to faster and more effective interventions.
• Enhanced crop yields: Drones can be used to gather data on crop health, allowing farmers to identify areas that require attention. 
  • By addressing these issues, farmers can improve their crop yields and increase their profits.
• Reduced costs: Drones can help to reduce costs by identifying areas of the farm that require attention, reducing the need for manual labour and reducing the use of pesticides and other chemicals.
• Improved accuracy: Drones can capture high-resolution images and data, providing farmers with a detailed view of their crops. 
  • This can help to identify areas that require attention and ensure that interventions are targeted and effective.

Challenges of adopting drone technology in the agriculture sector

Here are some of the key challenges:

• Fear of job loss: Many farmers are concerned that the adoption of drone technology will lead to job loss, as fewer workers will be needed to perform manual labour on the farm.
• Lack of knowledge and training: Farmers may not have the knowledge or training necessary to operate drones effectively. 
  • This can make it difficult for them to adopt this technology, as they may not be confident in their ability to use it.
• Cost: Drones can be expensive, and many farmers may not have the financial resources to invest in this technology.
• Regulatory barriers: There may be regulatory barriers to the use of drones in agriculture, which could make it difficult for farmers to adopt this technology.

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Ways To Solve The Lack Of Knowledge And Training

• Digital India campaign
• • It aims to provide digital infrastructure and connectivity to rural areas. 
  • This initiative includes a focus on training and education, which could help to address the lack of knowledge and training among farmers.
• Number of organizations and initiatives that are focused on promoting the use of drone technology in agriculture. 
  • For example, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established a Centre for Precision and Farming Technologies, which is focused on promoting precision agriculture technologies, including drones.