New Delhi: The Union Government recently announced an initiative to provide 15,000 progressive women’s self-help groups (SHGs) with drones, facilitating their rental to farmers for agricultural purposes. The drone services are specifically designed for Nano fertiliser and pesticide applications, offering a revolutionary approach to farming practices.
The decision was finalised during a recent meeting of the Union Cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur conveyed the announcement to the media on November 29.
This development follows Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day speech wherein he revealed a comprehensive scheme aimed at empowering women’s self-help groups through the integration of drone technology, with a substantial financial allocation of ₹1,261 crore for the initial two years, starting from 2024-25.
Thakur elucidated that the selected self-help groups would be drawn from the network of 89 lakh SHGs established under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana. Identification of clusters where drone usage is economically viable will precede the selection process, ensuring that the deployment of drones aligns with the specific needs and economic feasibility of the agricultural landscape.
The government will provide a central financial assistance package covering 80% of the drone’s total cost. Given that the approximate cost of a drone and its accessories is around ₹10 lakh, eligible groups will receive financial aid of up to ₹8 lakh from the central funds.
He said, “Around 500 drones will be provided by fertiliser companies. The rest 14,500 drones will be made available through the Central assistance in the next two years.” To facilitate the effective utilisation of this technology, drone pilots will receive an honorarium of ₹15,000, while co-pilots will be remunerated with ₹10,000.
The government plans to train well-qualified members of the SHGs, aged 18 and above, for a comprehensive 15-day program. It includes a mandatory five-day drone pilot training, followed by a 10-day training focusing on the application of drones for nutrient and pesticide purposes. Furthermore, another member of the SHG will be selected and trained as a technician or assistant.
The goal of this initiative is to infuse advanced technology into agriculture, thereby enhancing efficiency, increasing crop yields, and reducing operational costs for the benefit of farmers.
The approved initiatives under this scheme are anticipated to provide sustainable business and livelihood support to 15,000 SHGs, enabling them to earn an additional income of at least ₹1 lakh per annum.
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