Govt launches Namo Drone Didi Scheme to provide drones to women self help groups THE INDIAN AWAAZ

Scheme Overview

The Central Sector Scheme for providing drones to Women Self Help Groups (WSHGs) is a government initiative aimed at empowering rural women through technology. The scheme is designed to provide a range of benefits to WSHGs, including access to information, education, and economic opportunities.

Key Features of the Scheme

The scheme aims to provide drones to 14,500 selected Women Self Help Groups across the country. The government will provide 80% of the cost of the drone and accessories, up to a maximum of ₹8 lakhs. The drones will be used for various purposes, including crop monitoring, soil testing, and providing information on weather and market trends. The scheme will also provide training and capacity-building programs for WSHGs to ensure they are equipped to use the drones effectively. ### Benefits to WSHGs

Benefits to WSHGs

Access to information: WSHGs will have access to a range of information, including weather forecasts, market trends, and soil health data. Education and training: WSHGs will receive training and capacity-building programs to ensure they are equipped to use the drones effectively. Economic opportunities: WSHG members will have access to new economic opportunities, including the sale of drone-borne data and services. Improved livelihoods: The use of drones will improve the livelihoods of WSHG members, enabling them to earn a higher income and improve their overall well-being. ### Implementation and Monitoring

Implementation and Monitoring

The scheme will be implemented through a partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

The Role of the Lead Fertilizer Companies

The lead fertilizer companies will play a crucial role in the implementation of the fertilizer subsidy program. Their primary responsibility will be to establish necessary coordination with the state departments, drone manufacturers, cluster level federations of self-help groups, and farmers. This coordination will be essential in ensuring the smooth delivery of fertilizers to the farmers, as well as in monitoring the distribution and usage of the subsidized fertilizers.