Scheme to provide drones to 15,000 self help groups gets Cabinet nod

“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 agricultural purposes,” an official statement said.

Highlighting features of the scheme, the statement said that the Central Financial Assistance, which will be 80 per cent of the cost of the drone as well as accessories/ancillary charges up to a maximum of Rs 8 lakh, will be provided to women SHGs for them to purchase drones.

“The scheme approves holistic interventions by converging the resources and efforts of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Department of Rural development (DoRD) and Department of Fertilizers (DoF), Women SHGs and lead fertiliser companies (LFCs),” the statement said.

It said appropriate clusters will be identified where the use of drones is economically feasible and the women SHGs across various states will be selected from these identified clusters.

“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 at the rate of 3 per cent on the AIF loan will be provided,” the statement said.

As per the statement, a member of each SHG, who is deemed well-qualified and above 18 years of age, will be selected by LFCs and state rural livelihood missions (SRLM) for a 15-day training. This will include a five-day mandatory drone pilot training and a ten-day training in nutrients and pesticides application. Another member will be trained in repairing electrical goods, fittings and mechanical work, eventually training this person to become a drone technician/assistant.

The statement said LFCs will also promote using nano fertilisers such as nano urea and nano DAP. The SHGs would use these fertilisers with drones.

“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 statement said.

“The scheme will help infuse advance technology in agriculture for improved efficiency, enhance crop yield and reduced cost of operation for the benefit of farmers,” it added.