How the Namo Drone Didi Yojana is Transforming Agriculture

In a country where agriculture is the backbone of the economy, any innovation that makes farming easier, faster, and more productive is bound to have a ripple effect. 

But what if that innovation also uplifts women, creates new rural jobs, and supports the ‘Make in India’ mission?

That’s exactly what the Namo Drone Didi Yojana is doing.

Launched in late 2023, this flagship initiative by the Government of India aims to empower women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by equipping them with agricultural drones. 

Let’s understand how this program is changing the game for Indian agriculture and rural women alike.

What is the Namo Drone Didi Yojana?

The Namo Drone Didi Yojana is a government initiative designed to introduce drone technology into farming, with women at the helm. 

The plan is simple yet revolutionary: provide agricultural drones to SHGs across India and train the women to use them for various farming operations like crop spraying, monitoring, and fertilizer distribution.

The government has committed to supporting 15,000 women-led SHGs with drones, training, and subsidies under this program. 

Also read: Government subsidies for Agri drones in India (2025 update)

Why Drones, and Why Women?

Let’s break this down:

First let’s start with why drones?

India’s farmers are no strangers to hardship. Erratic weather, rising input costs, and labor shortages are daily struggles. Agricultural drones offer a powerful solution:

• Faster crop spraying – what used to take days now takes minutes.
  

• Precision farming – drones can spray exactly where needed, reducing waste.
  

• Cost savings – fewer chemicals and less water usage mean more money saved.
  

• Safety – farmers no longer need to walk through fields spraying harmful pesticides manually.

And now, why women?

Rural Indian women often remain on the sidelines of innovation, despite being central to agricultural work. By empowering women, the government is trying to

• Creating livelihood opportunities

• Improving confidence and leadership

• Closing the digital and gender gap

• Encouraging entrepreneurship in villages

Also read: India’s drone boom - How the nation is taking over the skies

How the Program Works

Let us see how this Namo drone didi yojna is actually working:

Financial Support

The cost of a commercial agricultural drone is typically between ₹8–10 lakh. Under the Namo Drone Didi scheme, the government provides up to 80% subsidy. The rest can be financed through low-interest loans under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).

This makes it accessible for SHGs that otherwise couldn't afford such equipment.

Pilot Training for SHG Women

Each selected SHG nominates at least one woman to become a certified drone pilot. The training includes:

• Basics of drone operation

• DGCA-compliant flight training

• Spraying techniques and safety

• Maintenance and troubleshooting

This means women are not just operating drones, they’re becoming technical experts in their villages.

All-Inclusive Drone Kits

Every SHG gets a full drone kit, which includes:

• A commercial-grade agricultural drone

• Spray tanks

• Batteries and chargers

• pH and moisture meters

• Warranty and support

• Annual maintenance

It’s a ready-to-use package that ensures the drone isn’t sitting idle due to technical issues.

On-Ground Monitoring

The program is backed by a real-time monitoring system. SHGs update drone usage data on a central portal, making it easier for the government to track outcomes and provide timely support.

The Impact So Far

Although still in its early stages, the Namo Drone Didi Yojana is already showing results on the ground.

Increased Productivity

SHGs using drones report higher crop yields thanks to timely and even pesticide spraying. Farmers are seeing 15–30% increases in output, depending on the crop.

Reduced Input Costs

With precision spraying, farmers use 30–40% less pesticide and water, cutting down significantly on recurring costs.

Income Generation for Women

In many states, women drone operators are already earning ₹1,000–₹5,000 per day during peak seasons. That’s a life-changing income in rural India.

Community Respect and Leadership

These women are no longer just helpers on the farm, they are leaders, technicians, and entrepreneurs. Their influence goes beyond the field, inspiring younger girls and setting new standards in their villages.

What Makes This Scheme So Important?

The success of the Namo Drone Didi scheme lies in the intersection of technology, policy, and social change.

1. It’s Scalable

With clear training modules, affordable financing, and local involvement, this program can scale across every Indian state.

2. It’s Sustainable

By reducing chemical use and promoting precision farming, it helps create a greener agricultural ecosystem.

3. It Supports Make-in-India

The drones provided under this scheme are often manufactured by Indian companies like insideFPV, giving a boost to homegrown innovation and job creation.

4. It Embraces the Future

From AI-powered crop diagnostics to mobile apps for drone scheduling, the program aligns with India’s vision of smart, connected villages.

The Namo Drone Didi Yojana is more than a government program. It’s a movement. A movement where women are not just beneficiaries but drivers of change. A movement where technology meets tradition, and the results are empowering communities from the grassroots.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How can SHGs apply for the drone scheme?

Registered SHGs can apply through local State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs), KVKs, or government agriculture offices. Selection includes drone training and financial support.

What training do women get to fly drones?

SHG women receive certified training in drone flying, safety, spraying techniques, and basic maintenance, usually over 10–15 days.

Are there any ongoing costs?

Yes, SHGs should plan for battery replacements, minor repairs, and maintenance after the first year. Most kits come with one year of support.