**Policy Summary: Namo Drone Didi Scheme**
The Namo Drone Didi scheme, a central sector initiative, was approved by the Government with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crores for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to promote advanced agricultural technology, improve efficiency, enhance crop yield, reduce operational costs, and empower Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) by establishing them as drone service providers. This is intended to increase their income and provide livelihood support.
In 2023-24, Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) distributed 1094 drones to drone didis within SHGs, utilizing their internal resources; 500 of these drones were distributed under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme. These drones are primarily used for the application of Nano Fertilizers across 22 states (See Annexure I).
A study by the Agricultural Development and Rural Transformation Centre (ADRTC), Bangalore, assessed the economics and business viability of drone operations using the 500 drones provided by LFCs under the scheme. The study indicated that the SHGs, previously involved in traditional agriculture, have expanded their operations to include modern agricultural practices via drone technology, leading to increased 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: States Using Drones for Nano Fertilizer Spraying**
A total of 1094 drones are deployed across the following states: Andhra Pradesh (106), Assam (28), Bihar (32), Chhattisgarh (15), Goa (1), Gujarat (58), Haryana (102), Himachal Pradesh (4), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Jharkhand (15), Karnataka (147), Kerala (51), Madhya Pradesh (87), Maharashtra (60), Odisha (16), Punjab (57), Rajasthan (36), Tamil Nadu (44), Telangana (81), Uttar Pradesh (135), Uttarakhand (3), and West Bengal (14).
**Source:** Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, Rajya Sabha. Release ID: 2151355.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Agriculture Farmers Welfare: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for agriculture and farmers' welfare.
Namo Drone Didi Scheme: A Central Sector Scheme for providing drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Women Self Help Groups: Groups of women empowered through the Namo Drone Didi Scheme.
Lead Fertilizer Companies: Companies that distributed drones to drone didis of SHGs using their internal resources.
Agricultural Development and Rural Transformation Centre, Bangalore: Organization that conducted a study on the economics and business viability of drone operations under the Namo Drone Didi scheme.
Andhra Pradesh: A state in India where Nano Fertilizers are being sprayed by using drone technology.
Uttar Pradesh: A state in India where Nano Fertilizers are being sprayed by using drone technology.
Shri Ramnath Thakur: Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
IMPACT OF NAMO DRONE DIDI SCHEME ON
RURAL WOMEN
Posted On: 01 AUG 2025 4:35PM by PIB Delhi
Namo Drone Didi has been approved by the Government 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. The major objectives of the scheme are to promote advance technology in agriculture for improved
efficiency, enhanced crop yield & reduced cost of operation and to empower SHGs as drone service providers
for increasing their income and providing livelihood support to them. 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, 500 drones have been distributed under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme. As per the information
provided by the Department of Fertilizers, the drones supplied by the LFCs are being used for application of
Nano Fertilizers and the State-wise details are placed at 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
States where Nano Fertilizers are being sprayed by using drone technology
S. No State Name No. of Drone Didi
1. Andhra Pradesh 106
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 147
12. Kerala 51
13. Madhya Pradesh 87
14. Maharashtra 60
15. Odisha 16
16. Punjab 5717. Rajasthan 36
18 Tamil Nadu 44
19. Telangana 81
20. Uttar Pradesh 135
21. Uttarakhand 3
22. West Bengal 14
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.
******
RC/ KSR/AR
(Release ID: 2151355)