What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
This scheme is expected to bring about a transformative impact on agriculture, fostering technology adoption and significantly improving overall efficiency.
NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet has greenlit the Central Sector Scheme, for providing 14,500 drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) over the next two years.
The scheme has allocated a budget of Rs. 1,261 crore for 2024-25 to 2025-26, and has aimed to empower 15,000 female SHGs to offer rental drone services for agriculture during 2023-24 to 2025-26.
It integrates efforts from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Department of Rural Development, and Department of Fertilizers. Under the scheme, Women SHGs will receive substantial financial assistance, covering 80 per cent of the drone’s cost, with a maximum subsidy of Rs. 8 Lakh. The remaining amount will be raised through the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility.
Following the approval by the Cabinet, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Thakur, made the announcement of the scheme to the media. Around 500 drones will be handed over to these women self-help groups by March 2024. After this as many as 14,500 drones will be given over the next 2 years to these self-help groups, he had informed.
Presently, to streamline operations, around 15 villages will be clubbed into a cluster for drone operations, where the selected women from the SHGs will be trained in operating the drones.
This initiative by the central government marks the fulfilment of the promise announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during this year’s Independence Day speech. “The Drone Sakhis will be paid Rs 15,000 per month and an assistant will be paid Rs 10,000. The drone maintenance and repair costs will be provided by the Centre, Thakur said.
Over the next two years, these drones will be made available to SHGs for rental services, targeting agriculture applications. Selected members will undergo a 15-day training program, encompassing mandatory drone pilot training and additional training for agriculture purposes.
The SHGs will play a crucial role by renting out drone services for Nano fertilizers and pesticide applications to farmers.
This scheme is expected to bring about a transformative impact on agriculture, fostering technology adoption and significantly improving overall efficiency.
