Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Namo Drone Didi Scheme |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Government pays 80 percent of drone cost, up to Rs 8 lakh, plus training |
| Who can apply | Women self-help groups (SHGs) doing agricultural work |
| How it is paid | Financial assistance for drone purchase, with the balance raised by the group through loans |
| Apply at | Through your SHG, local Krishi Vigyan Kendra, or the block or district agriculture office |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- The government covers 80 percent of drone cost, up to Rs 8 lakh.
- The SHG raises the remaining 20 percent, usually through a loan.
- Selected women get drone pilot training before they fly.
- The scheme runs from 2024 to 2026 and is run through Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
So what does a women's group actually get?
Selected women self-help groups get a drone for farm use.
The government gives 80 percent of the cost of the drone and related expenses, up to a maximum of Rs 8 lakh.
The group must raise the remaining 20 percent itself. Most groups do this through a bank loan.
Members also get training to fly the drone and apply fertiliser or pesticide safely. The drones are meant to be rented out to farmers for spraying work.
The amounts and rules can change. Please confirm the current figures on the official site.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
The scheme is for women self-help groups that take part in agricultural activity.
The group is selected by the government, so applying does not guarantee a drone.
Women who want a drone usually come through an existing SHG, not as individuals.
Groups must be willing to take the remaining 20 percent cost, often as a loan.
Why was this scheme started, and what has changed?
The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 30 November 2023.
It is run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and implemented through Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country.
The government has allocated Rs 1,261 crore for it, aiming to reach about 15,000 women SHGs.
The operational guidelines were released for implementation from 2024 to 2026.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep the SHG registration papers and the list of members ready.
Have the bank account details of the group, and the Aadhaar cards of the members.
Keep land or farming details of the area where the drone will work.
Your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture office will confirm the exact list before you apply.
How do you apply, step by step?
Start by talking to your SHG leader about the scheme.
Contact your nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra or block agriculture office to ask about the current selection process.
Submit the group's application with the documents they ask for.
If selected, complete the training and the loan process before the drone is handed over.
- 1Talk to your SHG leaderStart by talking to your SHG leader about the scheme.
- 2Contact the KVK or block officeAsk your nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra or block agriculture office about the current selection process.
- 3Submit the group's applicationSubmit the group's application with the documents they ask for.
- 4Complete training and loanIf selected, finish the training and the loan process before the drone is handed over.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
How do you check status, and what if something is stuck?
Ask your SHG leader or the Krishi Vigyan Kendra for the status of your application.
If the drone or training is delayed, ask in writing and note the date you asked.
Check the official website for the latest notices and guidelines.
What should you watch out for?
Never pay money to an agent who promises a drone. Apply only through official offices.
Drone work needs care. Training is short, so keep learning and follow safety rules.
Flying limits apply. In India drones can fly up to 400 feet above ground level.
Frequently asked questions
Can an individual woman apply for a drone?
The scheme is designed for women self-help groups, so individuals usually apply through an SHG.
Does the government give the whole drone for free?
No. The government pays 80 percent of the cost, up to Rs 8 lakh, and the group raises the rest.
Is there training?
Yes. Selected members get training in drone operation and agricultural spraying.
Is applying free?
Applying is free. Never pay an agent for a drone allotment.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
