Following Prime Minister Modi's Independence Day speech last year, the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme was unveiled with the ambitious goal of training at least 15,000 women across India as 'Drone Didis.' These women, primarily from rural areas, are equipped with the skills to operate drones, aiming to make them integral stakeholders in their local farming supply chains and contributors to rural prosperity.
The NAMO Drone Didi scheme, supported by Pradhan Mantri Krishi Samriddhi Kendras, is expected to herald a modern-day agricultural revolution by placing rural women at the center of economic activity and prosperity.
Breaking Barriers and Taking to the Skies
Under the scheme, the first batch of 300 women underwent training by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) in collaboration with Drone Destination, a Gurgaon-based training company. Notably, women from various states, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and others, have completed their training as drone pilots, breaking barriers and reaching for the skies.
From Varied Backgrounds to the Sky
Women from diverse backgrounds and educational qualifications applied to become drone pilots, connecting through organizations like Grant Thornton Bharat and Farmer Producers Organisation. The selection process involved interviews assessing basic farming knowledge. The training included theory classes, with some candidates overcoming language barriers to achieve success.
#DroneDidis of #Punjab are breaking barriers and taking to the skies. These rural women are trained under the #NAMODroneDidiScheme, which aims to empower them and revolutionize agriculture.
— Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India (@MoRD_GoI) January 23, 2024
Read: https://t.co/SsDq214PS9#MoRD #ViksitBharatSankalpYatra #HamaraSankalpViksitBharat pic.twitter.com/zHWzCQjaeY
NAMO Drone Didi Scheme Eligibility
The government has set minimum criteria to maximise the availability of the scheme. Any woman who wishes to apply for the NAMO Drone Didi scheme must be 10th pass and between the ages of 18 to 65 years. She should be medically fit and a member of the Self-Help Group.
NAMO Drone Didi Scheme Future Flights and Economic Impact
These trained 'Drone Didis' will soon traverse their districts in e-vehicles, using drones to spray fertilisers and pesticides in agricultural fields. According to IFFCO estimates, these women could earn a substantial income, with the scheme potentially generating at least Rs 7 lakh per annum for each pilot. IFFCO will provide drones and e-vehicles for free, significantly reducing the financial burden on women.
