New Delhi, 29 November: The union Cabinet has approved the scheme to provide drones to women’s self-help groups (SHGs). This will entail an expenditure of โน 1,261 crore.
The union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal to this effect. The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected women SHGs to provide rental services to farmers for agricultural purposes during the period 2023 to 24 to 2025 to 2026. Groups will be identified to provide drones.
80 percent of the cost of drones, accessories, and ancillary fees will be borne by central financial assistance. This will be a maximum of eight lakh rupees. Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) of SHGs can raise the balance amount (total cost of procurement less subsidy) as a loan under the National Agricultural Infrastructure Financing Facility (AIF). Interest subvention at the rate of three percent will be provided on AIF loans.
Eligible female members aged 18 years and older will be selected for 15 days of training by the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) and LFC. which will include 5 days of mandatory drone pilot training and an additional 10 days of training for nutrient agriculture purposes. Other SHG members and family members willing to use pesticides, repair electrical items, fittings, and mechanical works will be selected by SRLMs and LFCs, who will be trained as drone technicians and assistants. This training will be provided as a package, along with the supply of the drone.
Considering the difficulties faced by SHGs in purchasing, repairing, and maintaining drones through drone companies, LFC will act as a bridge between drone supplier companies and SHGs.
LFC will also promote the use of nanofertilizers like nanourea and nanoDAP by drones with SHGs. SHGs will rent drone services to farmers for nanofertilizer and pesticide applications. It is envisaged that the initiatives approved under the scheme will provide sustainable business and livelihood support to 15 thousand SHGs, and they will be able to earn additional income of at least ?1 lakh per year.
According to the government, this scheme will help in promoting advanced technology in agriculture for the benefit of farmers by improving efficiency, increasing crop yields, and reducing the cost of operations.
