AI SummaryNamo Drone Didi Scheme is a central sector scheme of Government of India under which drones are given to Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for providing rental spraying services to farmers. Government of India has approved the scheme with an outlay of ₹1261 crore to provide 15,000 drones to selected Women SHGs during 2024-25 to 2025-26, and the distribution work is being carried out through the states.
Under this scheme, women SHG members receive Central Financial Support (CFA) covering 80% of the drone package cost, up to a maximum of ₹8 lakh. After clearing the DGCA-recognized remote pilot training and getting the Remote Pilot Certificate, these trained women are known as "Drone Didis". The rules and guidelines PDF of the scheme can be downloaded from the official portal, and the complete application process is explained below.
Namo Drone Didi Scheme Guidelines PDF Download
The official guidelines PDF of Namo Drone Didi Scheme has been published by Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It contains full details about the goals of the scheme, implementation process, roles of different departments, selection of clusters, training of drone pilots and the rules for operating drones for spraying fertilizers and pesticides.
STEP 1 - Visit the official Namo Drone Didi portal at namodronedidi.da.gov.in.
STEP 2 - Open the "Downloads" quick link or the "Documents" section from the portal menu. The guidelines PDF is available in both English and Hindi.
STEP 3 - Click on the "Operational Guidelines of Namo Drone Didi Scheme" PDF file. It will open or start downloading, and the file can be viewed easily on a desktop or mobile device.
Direct PDF Links:
Operational Guidelines of Namo Drone Didi Scheme (English) PDF
Operational Guidelines of Namo Drone Didi Scheme (Hindi) PDF
How to Apply for Namo Drone Didi Scheme Online
Application process for Namo Drone Didi Scheme is online. State Rural Livelihood Missions and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) select the eligible Women SHGs and register their details on the official portal. Women SHG members can check the latest announcements, state-wise allocation and their application status on the portal.
STEP 1 - Go to the official Namo Drone Didi website at namodronedidi.da.gov.in and open the login page.
STEP 2 - Once logged in, read the scheme dashboard and announcements, and find the application or registration option for your state.
STEP 3 - Fill in the details of the SHG and the woman member selected for drone pilot training, and attach all required documents.
STEP 4 - Review the complete form once and click on the "submit" option. The CLF and the State Level Committee will then process the application.
What is Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
Namo Drone Didi Scheme is a central sector scheme launched by Government of India on 11 March 2024 to provide drones to Women Self-Help Groups promoted under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). These drones are used to offer rental services to farmers for agricultural work, mainly for spraying liquid fertilizers and pesticides. The scheme will help rural women earn a regular income from drone-based farm services and raise agricultural productivity by bringing modern technology to farming.
As per the latest update shared in Parliament in March 2026, Lead Fertilizer Companies have already distributed 1,094 drones to Drone Didis of SHGs in 2023-24, out of which 500 drones were given under Namo Drone Didi Scheme. The remaining 14,500 drones have been allocated to the states and are being provided to the selected Women SHGs during 2024-25 to 2025-26.
Objectives of Namo Drone Didi Scheme
The main aim of Namo Drone Didi Scheme is to create work opportunities for women by involving them in the agriculture sector through drone technology. It will help Women SHGs and their CLFs become drone service providers and increase their income. The scheme will also promote the use of advanced technology in farming, improve crop yield and reduce the cost of operations, while encouraging the use of nano-fertilizers and better use of pesticides.
Key Highlights of Namo Drone Didi Scheme
| Key Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Scheme | Namo Drone Didi Scheme |
| Launched By | Government of India |
| Launch Date | 11 March 2024 |
| Purpose | Provide drones to Women SHGs for agricultural spraying services |
| Beneficiaries | Women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) |
| Target | 15,000 Women SHGs |
| Advantage | Drones for employment, extra income and improved agricultural productivity |
| Eligibility Criteria | Female citizens above 18 and below 50 years, SHG members, Class 10 pass for pilot training |
| Required Documents | Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, PAN Card, Address Proof, Mobile Number |
| Application Process | Online |
| Official Website | namodronedidi.da.gov.in |
| Financial Commitment | ₹1261 crore |
| Expected Benefits | Drone, pilot training, drone assistant training and financial support |
| CFA for Drone Purchase | 80% of cost, up to ₹8 lakh |
| Implementation Period | 2023-24 to 2025-26 |
Salient Features of Namo Drone Didi Scheme
These are the main features that make Namo Drone Didi Scheme useful for rural women and farmers.
- Employment Generation: By providing drones, the scheme gives new work opportunities to women in the agriculture sector.
- Agricultural Improvement: Drones help farmers adopt modern spraying methods, which raises farming efficiency and crop yield.
- Budget Allocation: Government of India has set aside a total budget of ₹1261 crore for the smooth implementation of this scheme.
- Implementation Committee: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has formed an implementation committee to make sure the scheme runs smoothly and reaches the right SHGs.
Drone Package and Financial Support
Under Namo Drone Didi Scheme, each drone is supplied as a complete package. It includes the basic drone with a spray assembly for spraying liquid fertilizers and pesticides, 4 spare battery sets, one spare propeller set, nozzle set, dual channel fast battery charger, battery charger hub, 15 days drone pilot training, drone assistant training, one year comprehensive insurance, 2 years annual maintenance contract and applicable GST.
Central Financial Support (CFA) covers 80% of the drone package cost, up to a maximum of ₹8 lakh, for eligible Women SHGs. For the remaining 20% cost, CLFs or SHGs can take a loan under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with an interest subsidy of 3% per year for a maximum period of 7 years. They can also look for loans from other schemes of Ministry of Rural Development.
Criteria for Selection of Clusters
Drones work best in large areas with similar commercial crops, so the State Level Committee picks suitable clusters for the scheme. These are the broad points considered while selecting a cluster.
- A cluster of 10-15 villages or Gram Panchayats.
- A continuous crop area of 1000 to 1200 hectares under crops like cotton, paddy, sugarcane, chilies, wheat, orchards or plantations.
- Clusters where Custom Hiring Centers are already working well.
- Clusters with strong Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
- Clusters with large irrigated areas.
- Clusters with higher use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Enterprising CLFs within these clusters are selected by the State Level Committee and finalized by DAY-NRLM. The committee also identifies progressive SHGs from the chosen CLFs for receiving drones.
Criteria for Selection of Drone Didi / SHG Member
One active member from the selected women SHG is chosen for drone pilot training. The person must meet these conditions.
- Must be a female citizen and an active member of the SHG promoted under DAY-NRLM.
- Must be between 18 and 50 years of age.
- Must have passed Class 10th.
- Must be mentally and physically fit and willing to take training at a DGCA-recognized Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO).
- After completing the training and getting the Remote Pilot Certificate, the member is called a "Drone Didi".
Criteria for Selection of Drone Assistant
SHG members or their family members, like son, husband or daughter, who show interest in electrical repairs, fitting and mechanical work can be trained as drone assistants. They must have passed Class 10th and be between 18 and 50 years of age. They must also be mentally and physically fit for the training. Drone assistants only look after repairs and maintenance, and they are not authorized to fly the drones.
Required Documents
Applicants need to keep these documents ready while applying: Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, PAN Card, Address Proof and Mobile Number.
Drone Pilot and Drone Assistant Training
The selected SHG gets 15 days of drone pilot training, which includes compulsory training for the drone pilot license, preparation for flying, minor repair and maintenance, and hands-on practice for spraying pesticides and liquid fertilizers. For a medium class drone, the training has 5 days of mandatory drone pilot training and 10 days focused on agricultural applications. For a small class drone, it is 7 days of pilot training and 8 days of agricultural application training.
The training is given as a complete package at Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs) approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The training curriculum covers drone flying, Drone Rules, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for nutrient and pesticide application, practical flying and minor repair work of drones.
FAQ's
What is the total budget allocated for Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
A total budget of ₹1261 crore has been set by Government of India for the implementation of Namo Drone Didi Scheme.
How many women SHGs will get drones under Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
A total of 15,000 Women SHGs will be provided drones under Namo Drone Didi Scheme. Out of these, 500 drones were already distributed by Lead Fertilizer Companies in 2023-24 and 14,500 drones have been allocated to the states.
What is the main objective of Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
The main aim is to help Women SHG members earn at least ₹1 lakh per year through drone-based agricultural services like spraying fertilizers and pesticides for farmers.
Who is eligible to become a Drone Didi?
A female SHG member, aged 18 to 50 years, who has passed Class 10th, is mentally and physically fit and successfully completes the DGCA-recognized drone pilot training, is eligible to become a Drone Didi.
Can a drone assistant also fly the drone?
No, a drone assistant is trained for repairs and mechanical work related to drones, but is not authorized to fly them. Only certified Drone Didis can operate the drones.