Indian Economy News

Cabinet has approved the Central Sector Scheme for providing drones to the Women Self Help Groups

The Central Sector Scheme, which will cost Rs. 1,261 crore (US$ 151.2 million) between 2024-26 and give drones to women's self-help groups (SHGs), has been approved by the Union Cabinet, which is led by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi.

During the years 2023-24 to 2025-26—15,000 carefully chosen Women SHGs are to receive drones as part of the program, which will allow them to rent them out to farmers for agricultural purposes. In line with the vision of the Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, the scheme aims to introduce new technologies into the agriculture sector by using drone services to empower women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

 The highlights of this scheme are as under:

• By combining the resources and efforts of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), the Department of Fertilizers (DoF), the Department of Rural Development (DoRD), Women SHGs, and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs), the scheme authorizes holistic interventions.
• A total of 15,000 women's self-help groups in different states will be chosen to receive drones from appropriate clusters where using them is economically feasible.
• The women SHGs will receive Central Financial Assistance at 80% of the cost of the drone and accessories/ancillary charges, up to a maximum of Rs. 8 lakh (US$ 9,593.46), for the purpose of purchasing drones. The remaining amount (total cost of procurement less subsidy) may be raised as a loan under the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF) by the Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of SHGs. There will be a 3% interest subvention on the AIF loan.
• The SRLM and LFCs will choose a well-qualified female SHG member who is at least 18 years old to participate in a 15-day training program that includes a 5-day mandatory drone pilot course and an additional 10-day training focused on applying fertilizers and pesticides for agricultural purpose. . The State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) and LFCs who will receive drone technician/assistant training will choose another SHG member or family member who has the desire to attempt mechanical, fitting, and electrical repair. These instructions will be given in addition to the drone supply as part of a package.
• LFCs will serve as a liaison between SHGs and drone supplier companies, taking into consideration the challenges that SHGs may encounter when attempting to obtain, repair, and maintain drones through drone companies.
• Additionally, LFCs will encourage drones working with SHGs to use nano fertilizers like nano urea and nano DA. Farmers will be able to hire SHGs to apply pesticides and nanofertilizers using drone services.

It is anticipated that 15,000 SHGs will receive sustainable business and livelihood support from the approved projects under the scheme, and they will be able to generate at least Rs. 1 lakh (US$ 1,199.18) in additional revenue annually.
For the benefit of farmers, the scheme will assist in integrating cutting-edge technology into agriculture to increase crop yield, improve efficiency, and lower operating costs.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.