New Delhi: With the skills of women, 14,500 drones are going to fly over the fields within the next two years. For this, the central government has approved Rs 1261 crore on Friday. Along with this, guidelines have also been issued for the operation of Namo Drone Didi.

The scheme aims to provide drones to women of selected self-help groups during 2024-25 to 2025-26, who will provide drone services for agriculture to farmers on rent. Liquid fertilizers and pesticides will be sprayed in the fields through drones. It is believed that the scheme will provide sustainable business and livelihood to self-help groups.

Production will increase and cost will decrease

Also, they will be able to earn additional income. This latest experiment in agriculture will increase the efficiency and yield of farmers. The cost will be reduced. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has urged the stakeholders for the early implementation of the 'Namo Drone Didi' scheme.

80 percent of the total cost of purchase of drone and other supporting equipment or a maximum of Rs 8 lakh will be given as central assistance to women self-help groups as a package. The remaining amount can be taken by the selected self-help groups as a loan from the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund at an interest rate of 3 percent.

Monitoring will be done through the portal

Loans can be obtained from other sources of the Rural Development Ministry. The scheme will be monitored through the drone portal, which will also track the operations. It will give live information on the use of drones. It will act as a software for service and money distribution.

Spraying 20 acres of land in a day using drone

A drone can easily spray 20 acres of land in a day. The sisters who fly the drone will be given 15 days of training. They will also be given one year insurance, two years of maintenance contract and GST money. Another member of the group will also be trained. They will also be given additional training on crop nutrients and pesticide use.

A member interested in repairing electrical equipment, fitting and mechanical work will be trained as a drone assistant. Drone manufacturing companies will provide training along with the supply as a package as per the program described in the guidelines.

Drones will be supplied as a package

The drones will be supplied in a package comprising of basic drone and storage case with spray machine for spraying liquid fertilizers and pesticides, battery set, down focus camera, dual channel fast battery charger, charger hub and one year onsite warranty on all other associated accessories.

There will be an extra set of batteries for continuous flight. The use of drones in agriculture is still in its initial stages. Therefore, the states will closely monitor these activities. Will provide assistance to women groups. Also, will help them to start a business to cover at least 2000 to 2500 acres of area in a year.