As if taking a cue from the co-operative titan IFFCO, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved Central Sector Scheme for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), with an outlay of Rs. 1261 Crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2025-26 on Wednesday.
The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs during the period 2023-24 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes.
Aligning with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the scheme seeks to empower women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and bringing new technologies through drone services in the agriculture sector, reads a PIB release
It bears recalling that earlier, IFFCO launched a massive nationwide campaign for procuring 2500 drones “IFFCO Kisan Drones” as spray solutions for spraying its revolutionary products Nano Urea & Nano DAP inspired by PM’s vision of Sahkar Se Samriddhi. This will lead to development of 5000 rural entrepreneurs which are identified by IFFCO to be trained for spraying drones.
Last month, the co-op titan IFFCO also launched the training of the first batch of Women drone pilots at both Gwalior and Phulpur. About 300 women candidates have been enrolled for the training program.
Appropriate clusters where usage of Drones is economically feasible will be identified and progressive 15,000 women SHGs in various States in the identified clusters will be selected for providing drones. The Central Financial Assistance @ 80% of the cost of drone and accessories/ancillary charges up to a maximum of Rs. Eight Lakh will be provided to the women SHGs for purchase of drones.
The Cluster Level Federation (CLFs) of SHGs may raise the balance amount (total cost of procurement minus subsidy) as loan under National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF). Interest subvention @ 3% on the AIF loan will be provided. One of the members of the women SHGs who is well qualified, 18 and above years of age will be elected by the SRLM and LFCs for 15 day training consisting of a 5 day mandatory drone pilot training and additional 10 day training for agriculture purpose of nutrient and pesticide application.
The other member / family member of the SHG with an inclination to take up repairs of electrical goods, fitting and mechanical works will be selected by the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) and LFCs who will be trained as drone technicians/assistants. These training shall be provided as a package along with the supply of drones.
Considering difficulties which SHGs may face in procuring drones, repair and maintenance of drones through drone companies, the LFCs will act as a bridge between drone supplier companies and SHGs. LFCs will also promote use of Nano Fertilizers such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP by drones with SHGs. The latter will rent out the drone services to the farmers for Nano fertilizer and also for pesticide applications.
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 scheme will help in infusing advanced technology in agriculture for improved efficiency, enhance crop yield and reduce cost of operation for the benefit of farmers.