Namo Drone Didi Scheme

Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture; Role of technology in Agriculture

In News

• The Government has released the Operational Guidelines of Namo Drone Didi Scheme.
  • According to the guidelines, the Scheme will be governed at the Central level by the Empowered Committee of the Secretaries from important departments. 

About Namo Drone Didi scheme

• Type:  Central Sector, scheme as part of the DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission) initiative.
• Objective: Empower women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing drones for rental services in agriculture. It aims to support 14,500 SHGs nationwide from 2024-2026.
• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
• Key Features: 
  • Financial Assistance: 80% subsidy up to Rs 8 lakh for SHGs to purchase drones.
    • Additional financing options through the Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF), offering a 3% interest subvention on loans.
  • Drone Package: Each package includes essential accessories: spray assemblies, batteries, cameras, chargers, and measurement tools.
    • Additional batteries and propellers are provided, enabling coverage of up to 20 acres per day.
  • Training Program: Each SHG will designate a drone pilot who will undergo 15 days of training in drone operation, focusing on agricultural tasks such as nutrient and pesticide spraying.
  • Implementation and Oversight: Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) will execute the scheme at the state level, coordinating with state departments, drone manufacturers, and SHG federations.
    • A central Empowered Committee will govern the scheme, comprising officials from various departments
  • IT-Based Drone Portal: The Drone Portal, an IT-based Management Information System (MIS), will provide end-to-end monitoring, fund disbursement, and real-time tracking of drone usage.

Significance

• Empowers Women: Supports Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing income-generating opportunities through agricultural drone services.
• Modernizes Agriculture: Introduces drones for efficient fertilizer and pesticide application, increasing crop yield and productivity.
• Reduces Costs for Farmers: Drones save time and labor, making advanced farming practices more affordable.
• Promotes Rural Skill Development: Trains SHG members in drone operation and maintenance, boosting digital literacy in rural areas.
• Supports Government Initiatives: Aligns with DAY-NRLM and Kisan Drones, advancing goals for rural empowerment and sustainable agriculture.
• Enhances Technological Access: Brings cutting-edge technology to rural areas, fostering inclusivity in India’s agricultural sector.

Challenges & Concerns

• Financial Burden on SHGs: Although the scheme covers 80% of the cost, SHGs must secure the remaining 20% through loans, which could pose a risk for financially vulnerable groups if the economic benefits from drone usage in agriculture fall short of expectations
• Limited Training for Technical Complexity: The 15-day training may be insufficient for SHG members to handle complex tasks like pesticide spraying or troubleshoot unforeseen issues. 
• Bureaucratic Layers: Reliance on Lead Fertilizer Companies for coordination could introduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, slowing down the scheme’s implementation. 
• Environmental and Health Risks: Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on biodiversity, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. For example, conservationists in the Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, expressed concerns that aerial spraying could harm pollinators and fragile ecosystems.

Way Ahead

• Enhanced Financial Support: Consider grants or subsidies instead of loans for the remaining 20% to prevent financial strain on SHGs.
• Extended Training Programs: Implement longer, comprehensive training programs, possibly including refresher courses, to ensure SHGs are better equipped to handle technical challenges.
• Environmental Safeguards: Establish clear guidelines for safe aerial pesticide application, especially near ecologically sensitive areas, to mitigate risks to biodiversity and health.

Source: AIR