Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Central Sector Scheme for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2025-26.

Harnessing Drones for Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture

• Aligning to the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister ‘Nari Shakti’, the scheme seeks to empower women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and bring new technologies through drone services in the agriculture sector.

The highlights of this scheme are as follows:

• Convergence of resources and efforts: The scheme approves holistic interventions by converging the resources and efforts of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Department of Rural Development (DoRD), and Department of Fertilizers (DoF), Women Self Help Groups and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs).
•  Identification clusters: Appropriate clusters will be identified based on economic feasibility in various states and progressive 15,000 women SHGs in the identified clusters will be selected to provide drones.
• Central Financial Assistance: Selected women Self Help Groups will be given 80% of the cost of drone and accessories/ancillary charges up to a maximum of Rs. Eight Lakh under scheme.  
  • The Cluster Level Federation (CLFs) of SHGs may raise the balance amount (total cost of procurement minus subsidy) as a loan under the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF). 
  • Interest subvention at 3% on the AIF loan will be provided.
• Training:
  • Drone Pilot Training: One female member from each SHGs will be elected by the SRLM and LFCs for 15-day training.    
    • Qualification: 18 and above years of age 
    • Training Module: 5-day mandatory drone pilot training and additional 10-day training for agriculture for nutrient and pesticide application purposes.
  • Drone Technician/assistant: This training shall be provided as a package along with the supply of drones.
    • The other interested member/family member of the SHG in repairs of electrical goods, fitting, and mechanical works will be selected. 

Role of LFCs: 

• The LFCs will act as a bridge between drone supplier companies and Self Help Groupss.
• LFCs will also promote the use of Nano Fertilizers such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP by the drones with SHGs.  

Potential Benefits Of the Scheme: 

• The scheme will help infuse advanced technology in agriculture for improved efficiency, enhanced crop yield, and reduced operation costs for the farmers’ benefit.
  • For Instance, Self Help Groups can rent drone services to farmers for various agricultural activities such as fertilizer and pesticide applications.
• It will provide sustainable business and livelihood support to 15,000 SHGs and they can earn additional income of at least Rs. one lakh per annum.

Source: PIB