Agri Drone Subsidy: Women Farmers to Receive Agri Drones at Half Price, Know the Benefits & Process

In a groundbreaking move to boost women's participation in agriculture, the government is rolling out a plan to provide women farmers with agri drones at a significantly reduced cost. This initiative aims to empower women in the farming sector and enhance agricultural development across the country.

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The government has introduced the Namo Drone Didi scheme, targeting 2 crore beneficiaries among women associated with self-help groups. Women will receive a substantial 50 percent subsidy for purchasing agricultural drones or a maximum of Rs 5 lakh under the Krishi Yantra Anudaan Yojana.

Training Opportunities:

• Women from self-help groups, who have completed their education up to class 10, 11, or 12, are eligible for free training in operating these drones.

• The training aims to equip women with the skills to effectively use agri drones, contributing to increased production and simplified farming practices.

Cost and Subsidy Breakdown:

• Agricultural drones with a 10-liter capacity typically cost between Rs 6 to 10 lakh.

• With the government subsidy, women farmers can access these drones at half the price, receiving a subsidy of up to Rs 5 lakh on a Rs 10 lakh drone.

Also Read: Farmers to Receive Up to 50% or 1.2 Lakh Subsidy on Power Tillers Under SMAM Scheme: Know All The Details 

Economic Impact:

• The initiative is expected to improve the economic condition of women in self-help groups, enabling them to earn more money and engage in modern farming practices.

• Farmers can potentially earn additional income by renting out drones, encouraging widespread adoption.

Training and Certification:

• Women will undergo free training to operate drones, facilitated by the Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO), an institute recognized by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

• No fee or earnest money is required for training, promoting accessibility for women farmers.

Benefits of Agri Drones in Farming:

• Crop damage monitoring, crop health assessment, and detection of weeds and pests are among the key benefits.

• Agri drones enable efficient spraying of pesticides, application of fertilizers, urea, and even seed sowing using the sprinkling method.

Also Read: Farmers to Get Upto 50% Subsidy on Various Agriculture Machines- Apply Before The Last Date: Eligibility & Contact Information

Operation of Agri Drones:

• Agri drones are unmanned aircraft controlled remotely through software, equipped with a GPS navigation system and various sensors.

• They operate on battery power and come with cameras, pesticide spraying machines, and other essential equipment.

Time and Cost Savings:

• Farmers can spray 10 liters of medicine solution over one acre in just 10 minutes using agri drones, a task that would take 4 hours manually.

• The use of drones not only saves time but also reduces labor costs, providing a practical and cost-effective solution for farmers.

• This initiative is poised to revolutionize the agricultural landscape, promoting gender inclusivity and technological advancement. As women farmers embrace agri drones, the nation anticipates a surge in productivity, sustainability, and economic empowerment in the agricultural sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Namo Drone Didi scheme, and how does it benefit women farmers?

The Namo Drone Didi scheme is a government initiative aimed at encouraging the participation of women in agriculture. Under this scheme, women farmers, particularly those associated with self-help groups, are eligible for a substantial 50 percent subsidy or a maximum of Rs 5 lakh when purchasing agricultural drones. This financial support is intended to make these cutting-edge farming tools more accessible to women, fostering economic empowerment and modernizing farming practices.

2. Who qualifies for free training in operating agri drones, and what are the prerequisites?

Women farmers associated with self-help groups who have completed their education up to class 10, 11, or 12 are eligible for free training in operating agricultural drones. The training is a crucial component of the government's initiative to equip women with the necessary skills to operate drones effectively. Unlike male applicants, women do not need to deposit any fee or earnest money for the training, making it accessible and inclusive.

3. What is the maximum subsidy that women farmers can receive for purchasing agricultural drones, and how does it impact the cost?

Under the Krishi Yantra Anudaan Yojana, women farmers are entitled to a 50 percent subsidy on the purchase of agricultural drones or a maximum of Rs 5 lakh. Considering that agricultural drones with a 10-liter capacity typically cost between Rs 6 to 10 lakh, this subsidy effectively allows women farmers to acquire these drones at half the market price. The government aims to make this technology more affordable for women, thereby promoting its widespread adoption.

4. How will the initiative improve the economic condition of women belonging to self-help groups?

The initiative is expected to enhance the economic condition of women in self-help groups by providing them with opportunities to earn more money through modernized farming practices. By utilizing agricultural drones, women farmers can not only increase their productivity but also potentially generate additional income by renting out these drones. This economic empowerment is a key aspect of the government's strategy to uplift women in the agricultural sector.

5. What are the major benefits of using agricultural drones in farming?

Agricultural drones offer numerous benefits in farming practices, including:

-Monitoring and mitigating crop damage.
-Assessing the health of crops.
-Detecting weeds and pests in the fields.
-Efficiently spraying pesticides in a short amount of time.
-Applying fertilizers, urea, and sowing seeds using advanced techniques like the sprinkling method.

These advantages contribute to increased efficiency, reduced manual labor, and improved overall productivity in agriculture.

Also Read: Good News for Farmers in 2024: 1.20 Lakh Subsidy on Purchasing Power Tiller