Namo Drone Didi Scheme 2024: Application Process & Eligibility Guide

The Namo Drone Didi Scheme 2024 is a flagship initiative designed to empower rural women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by integrating drone technology into agriculture. Under the Sashakt Nari–Viksit Bharat program, the government will distribute 15,000 agricultural drones to eligible women-led SHGs over two financial years (2024–25 and 2025–26), covering 80% of each drone’s cost as a subsidy (up to ₹8 lakh) and offering the balance via concessional loans through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund at just 3% interest. To qualify, an SHG must be registered under DAY-NRLM, have its members trained in drone operations, and meet state-specified criteria on financial stability and community engagement. Selected groups undergo a mandatory 15-day training—five days on drone piloting and ten days on agricultural applications—before receiving their drones. This scheme not only provides women with cutting-edge tools and skills for precision spraying and crop monitoring but also creates sustainable income streams, fostering entrepreneurship and boosting rural economies. By simplifying the application process through district-level nodal officers and robust training partnerships, the Namo Drone Didi Scheme ensures a seamless journey from application to operational success for women SHGs across India.