Namo Drone Didi is a Central Sector scheme approved with an outlay of ₹1,261 crore for 2023-24 to 2025-26, aiming to provide drones to 15,000 selected women Self Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM. The groups act as drone service providers for farmers, for example spraying nano-fertilisers and pesticides.
Central Financial Assistance covers 80 per cent of the drone cost, up to ₹8 lakh. The balance can be financed through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, with 3 per cent interest subvention. The scheme envisages at least ₹1 lakh of additional annual income per SHG, while helping farmers raise yields and cut operating costs. Selected women receive training in both drone operation and agricultural use.
The approved period of the scheme ran to 2025-26. Interested groups should check the official Namo Drone Didi portal for the latest status and any new phase.
What it means for RPTOs and pilots: Agricultural spraying is one of the largest civilian drone use cases in India, and DGCA-approved training is central to it.
Sources: Lakhpati Didi portal (lakhpatididi.gov.in); FAO Digital Villages Initiative listing.
