Distribution of Agricultural Drones under Namo Drone Didi Scheme
Distribution of Agricultural Drones under Namo Drone Didi Scheme
The Government has approved ‘Namo Drone Didi’ as Central Sector Scheme for providing drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crores for the period from 2023-24 to 2025-26. As per the information provided by the Department of Fertilizers, Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) have distributed 1094 drones to drone didis of SHGs in 2023-24 using their internal resources. Out of these 1094 drones distributed, 500 drones have been distributed under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme. The drone didis provided with the drones have been trained as drone pilots at various Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs) authorized by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The State-wise number of drones distributed to SHGs by the LFCs as on January 2026 and the members of SHGs given drone pilot training is indicated in Annexure-I.
Agricultural Development and Rural Transformation Centre (ADRTC), Bangalore have carried out a study on economics and business viability of drone operations on these 500 drones provided by LFCs under Namo Drone Didi scheme. The study indicates that the SHGs earlier were primarily engaged in agriculture and allied activities and the drones provided to them has expanded their niche to modern agricultural practices through drone technology, enhancing their efficiency and productivity. Overall, the adoption of drones has diversified SHG activities, improved agricultural practices, and increased income opportunities for women in rural communities.
Annexure-I
State-wise number of drones distributed to SHGs by the LFCs as on January 2026 and the members of SHGs given drone pilot training
S. No
State Name
No. of SHGs provided with the Drones by LFCs & No. of members of Women SHGs trained as drone pilot
1.
Andhra Pradesh
108
2.
Assam
28
3.
Bihar
32
4.
Chhattisgarh
15
5.
Goa
1
6.
Gujarat
58
7.
Haryana
102
8.
Himachal Pradesh
4
9.
J&K
2
10.
Jharkhand
15
11.
Karnataka
145
12.
Kerala
51
13.
Madhya Pradesh
89
14.
Maharashtra
60
15.
Odisha
16
16.
Punjab
57
17.
Rajasthan
40
18
Tamil Nadu
44
19.
Telangana
81
20.
Uttar Pradesh
128
21.
Uttarakhand
3
22.
West Bengal
15
Total
1094
This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.