Namo Drone Didi
India
Developed by Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Department of Rural Development (DoRD), and Department of Fertilizers (DoF)., the Namo Drone Didi program provides drone technology to 15,000 women Self Help Groups (SHGs) across India. It includes financial assistance for up to 80% of drone costs, training in drone piloting and maintenance, and promotion of Nano Fertilizer application. SHGs can rent drones to farmers, potentially generating additional income of Rs. 100,000 per annum for each SHG. The program modernizes agricultural practices, increase productivity, and create opportunities in drone technology. It combines technology adoption, skill development, and supports women to address challenges in Indian agriculture and rural development. The initiative also creates additional income opportunities for SHGs while modernizing agricultural practices.
Lead (category)
Government multi-agencies
Name of initiative lead (and partners)
Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Department of Rural Development (DoRD), Department of Fertilizers (DoF), Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs)
Categories of Digital initiative deliverables
Agritech ecosystem regulatory and insitutional support
Agritech, startup or SMEs capacity and enabling services
Specific ICT technology product and/or service delivery
ICT products/solutions and services by category
Digital Agriculture
Digital Rural Services
Digital Social Services (Education, Health, Skills)
Non ICT products and services (deliverables)
Training programs for drone piloting and maintenance, support for nano fertilizer application
Business and governance structure
The scheme is funded through Central Financial Assistance covering 80% of drone costs up to a maximum of Rs. 8 Lakh. The remaining amount can be raised through the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF) with a provision of interest subvention @ 3% on the AIF loan. The initiative is managed and coordinated by multiple government departments with support from Lead Fertilizer Companies.
DI ICT-deliverables format
Drones technology
Interactive data exchanges
Primary stakeholders (beneficiaries, actors, enablers)
Farmers
Women groups
Village/community leaders
Youth networks
Size, scale or scope of primary stakeholders
The initiative aims to reach 15,000 women Self Help Groups (SHGs) during the period 2024–25 to 2025–2026.
Digital Initiative development Stage
Fully operational - Growing and expanding stage
Measurable impacts on primary stakeholders and target beneficiaries
It is envisaged that the approved initiatives under the scheme will provide sustainable business and livelihood support to 15,000 SHGs and they would be able to earn additional income of at least Rs. One lakh per annum. The initiative also aims to enhance crop yield and reduce cost of operation for farmers. The scheme also provides access to industry experts, mentors, and agricultural professionals, creating avenues for mentorship and professional growth. Source: Developer website
Initiative geographic scope (or coverage) (national, regional, sector specific, specific user co-horts etc)
National
The initiative covers the entire country of India, focusing on rural areas and agricultural sectors.
On-line resource links (Web-page links, links to videos, links to reports, etc)
Link to Digital village
Link to Digital solution