The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the central sector scheme for providing drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), with an outlay of Rs. 1,261 crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2025-26.

The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs during the period 2023-24 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes.

Aligning to the vision of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the scheme seeks to empower women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and bring new technologies through drone services in the agriculture sector.

The scheme approves holistic interventions by converging the resources and efforts of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Department of Rural development (DoRD), Department of Fertilizers (DoF), Women SHGs, and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs).

Appropriate clusters where usage of drones is economically feasible will be identified and progressive 15,000 women SHGs in various states in the identified clusters will be selected for providing drones.

Central Financial Assistance @ 80% of the cost of drone and accessories/ancillary charges up to a maximum of Rs. 8 lakh will be provided to the women SHGs for purchase of drones. The Cluster Level Federation (CLFs) of SHGs may raise the balance amount (total cost of procurement minus subsidy) as loan under National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF). Interest subvention @ 3% on the AIF loan will be provided.

One of the members of the women SHGs who is well qualified, 18 and above years of age will be elected by the SRLM and LFCs for 15-day training consisting of 5-day mandatory drone pilot training and additional 10-day training for agriculture purpose of nutrient and pesticide application.

LFCs will also promote use of Nano Fertilizers such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP by the drones with SHGs. SHGs will rent out the drone services to the farmers for Nano fertilizer and also for pesticide applications.

It is envisaged that the approved initiatives under the scheme will provide sustainable business and livelihood support to 15,000 SHGs and they would be able to earn additional income of at least Rs. one lakh per annum.

The scheme will help infusing advanced technology in agriculture for improved efficiency, enhance crop yield and reduce cost of operation for the benefit of farmers.