The Maharashtra government has launched an ambitious initiative to revolutionize agriculture and empower rural women through the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme, unveiled as part of its 2024-25 budget. This groundbreaking program aims to equip 325 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with agricultural drones, providing them with the tools and training necessary to enhance farming efficiency and generate additional income through Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS).
The initiative is a significant stride towards integrating precision farming in Maharashtra, a state renowned for its agricultural prowess. By deploying drones for tasks such as spraying fertilizers and pesticides, farmers can optimize resource use and improve crop yields. This technological leap is expected to transform traditional farming practices, making them more efficient and sustainable.
Under the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme, selected SHGs will receive agricultural drones at an 80% subsidy, with financial support covering up to ₹8 lakh (approximately $9,600) per drone. This substantial investment underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing agriculture and empowering rural women. The program also includes structured training, enabling women to become certified drone operators. This training is pivotal as Maharashtra seeks to build a skilled workforce in agricultural drone operations, ensuring that the technology is used effectively and safely.
Beyond its agricultural benefits, the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme is designed to provide rural women with a new economic avenue. By offering drone services to farmers, women SHGs can earn up to ₹60,000 per month (approximately $700), promoting financial independence and rural entrepreneurship. This economic empowerment is a key aspect of the initiative, as it not only enhances agricultural productivity but also fosters self-reliance among rural women.
Prem Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder of Marut Drones, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative. “The announcement of the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme in the Maharashtra budget is a transformative step toward modernizing agriculture and empowering rural women. By equipping 325 women self-help groups with agricultural drones, this initiative will bring precision farming to the forefront, optimizing resource use and boosting productivity. Maharashtra, being a significant agricultural belt, requires more skilled drone pilots for the adoption of drone technology in agriculture. The structured training under this scheme will empower women with specialized drone operation skills, enabling them to offer Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) to farmers. This not only increases farm efficiency but also provides rural women with an additional income of up to ₹60,000 per month, fostering financial independence and rural entrepreneurship. This visionary initiative will accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge agri-tech solutions, making Maharashtra’s farming landscape more sustainable and resilient.”
The ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme is part of a broader national effort to integrate advanced technology into agriculture while promoting women’s economic empowerment. The Indian government has allocated ₹500 crore (approximately $57 million) to support this initiative, aiming to provide drones to 15,000 SHGs from 2024-25 to 2025-26. In its first phase for the 2024-25 fiscal year, 3,090 SHGs will receive drones. The program is expected to generate at least ₹1 lakh (approximately $1,200) in additional annual income for each participating SHG. This scheme was highlighted in the Maharashtra Budget 2024-25, presented by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The budget projects a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth of 5.5%, reaching ₹42,67,771 crore. With total revenue receipts estimated at ₹4,99,463 crore, Maharashtra is focusing on strategic investments in technology-driven agriculture and women-led initiatives.
By integrating drone technology into farming practices, Maharashtra is setting an example for other states looking to modernize agriculture. The scheme is expected to increase efficiency, reduce operational costs for farmers, and create a new wave of skilled drone operators in rural areas. As the initiative unfolds, it could serve as a model for other regions aiming to balance technological advancement with social and economic development. The success of the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme will likely influence future policies on agri-tech adoption and rural empowerment in India.
