Context:
The Prime Minister distributed drones to 1000 Namo Drone Didis during the Sashakt Nari – Viksit Bharat programme at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.
Key highlights
- Along with Drone distribution, the Prime minister also disbursed bank loans of around ₹8,000 crore to Self Help Groups (SHGs) at subsidised interest rate through Bank Linkage Camps set up by Banks in each district.
- Namo Drone Didi along with the Lakhpati Didi initiative mark a significant shift in empowering women in rural India.
- These programs target a critical aspect of India’s development – bridging the gender gap and achieving women’s economic independence, particularly in remote areas.
Namo Drone Didi
- It is a Central Sector Scheme for providing drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs)
- The Scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes (application of fertilizers and pesticides).
- A subsidy of 80% of the cost of the drone (up to a maximum of ₹8 lakhs) will be provided to the women SHGs for the purchase of drones.
- Training for women members of SHGs to fly drones will also be provided before releasing the subsidy amount.
- It is mandatory to complete the drone fly training program in order to avail the subsidy on the purchase of drones under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme.
Benefits of Drone Didi:
- Upskilling Women: Provides rural women with new technical skills and knowledge in drone operation, opening doors to new career paths in the agriculture sector.
- Promoting Precision Agriculture: Drones enable meticulous field mapping, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing wastage of fertilizers, pesticides, and water. This fosters sustainable agricultural practices.
- Enhancing Crop Monitoring: Drones provide a faster and more comprehensive way to identify pest infestations, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies at early stages, allowing for timely interventions and improved crop yields.
- Boosting Efficiency: Drones excel at applying fertilizers and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, minimizing overspray and environmental impact. This protects the environment and safeguards the health of farmers and consumers.
- Economic Independence: Drone operation opens doors to new income-generating opportunities for women, fostering self-reliance and financial security.
- The scheme will also provide sustainable business and livelihood support to SHGs and they would be able to earn additional income of at least Rs. 1.0 lakhs per annum.
- Leadership Roles: The program positions women at the forefront of agricultural innovation, breaking traditional gender stereotypes and promoting leadership roles.
- Bridging the Gender Gap: By equipping women with advanced technological skills, Namo Drone Didi contributes to closing the gender gap in the tech sector.
Lakhpati Didis
- The Lakhpati Didi program, implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, aims to catalyze economic empowerment and financial independence among women in rural areas.
- This program recognizes and celebrates successful women entrepreneurs who have achieved a household income exceeding Rs. 1,00,000 annually within the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) supported Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- The programme was launched in 2023 with an initial target of 2 crore Lakhpati Didis. However, the program target has been enhanced to 3 crore during 2024-25.
Significance:
- Lakhpati Didis serve as powerful role models and mentors for other SHG members.
- Their stories showcase the transformative power of SHGs in:
- Nurturing women’s entrepreneurial spirit.
- Propelling them to leadership roles within their communities.
- Lakhpati Didis inspire and guide other members towards financial independence, demonstrating success through:
- Hard work.
- Collaboration.
- Leveraging the support system provided by SHGs.
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