Cabinet Approves Rs 1261 Crore Budget for Central Sector Scheme Empowering Women Self Help Groups

With an allocated budget of Rs. 1261 Crore spanning the period from 2024-25 to 2025-26, the scheme seeks to empower 15,000 selected Women SHGs.

In a move to integrate cutting-edge technology into agriculture, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Cabinet has given its nod to a Central Sector Scheme with a budget of Rs 1261 crore. The scheme is designed to provide drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs), boosting technological empowerment and economic growth in rural areas.

The introduction of drones into agricultural practices is expected to revolutionize traditional farming methods, bring out improved efficiency, enhance crop yields, and reduce operational costs. The scheme will target women's self-help groups, empowering them with the latest technological tools to enhance their agricultural endeavours.

With an allocated budget of Rs. 1261 Crore spanning the period from 2024-25 to 2025-26, the scheme seeks to empower 15,000 selected Women SHGs. The primary objective is to enable these groups to provide rental drone services to farmers, thereby revolutionizing and modernizing agricultural practices.

The utilization of drone technology in agriculture has the potential to significantly enhance productivity, optimise resource utilisation, and streamline farming processes. Women SHGs, through this scheme, will play a pivotal role in making this cutting-edge technology accessible to farmers across the nation.

The scheme combines the efforts of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Department of Rural Development, and the Department of Fertilizers, as well as the participation of Women SHGs and Lead Fertilizer Companies.

The approach will identify acceptable clusters where drone use is economically viable. Within these clusters, fifteen thousand women SHGs from various states will be chosen to supply drone services.

Members of the women SHGs will go through a 15-day training program that includes mandatory drone pilot training and supplementary agricultural instruction. Another family member or friend will be trained as a drone technician/assistant for repair and maintenance.

Central Financial Assistance of 80% of the cost of the drone, including accessories and ancillary expenses, up to a maximum of Rs. 8 lakh, would be offered to women SHGs for the purchase of drones. The remaining balance could be borrowed through the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility.

Also Read: Farmers will Get Training to Use Drone Technology in Farming

Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) will function as go-betweens for drone suppliers and SHGs, enabling purchase and maintenance. They will also use drone services to encourage the adoption of Nano Fertilizers. The plan, which includes long-term business and livelihood assistance, intends to enable 15,000 SHGs to earn at least Rs. 1 lakh per year by delivering drone services to farmers.

The initiative is expected to introduce advanced technology into agriculture, resulting in increased efficiency, increased crop output, and lower operational costs, ultimately helping farmers and boosting rural economic growth.

By facilitating the integration of drone technology into farming practices, the scheme aims to boost crop monitoring, pest control, and yield prediction, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural growth.

The scheme's implementation is expected to create new economic opportunities for women, enhance their skills in handling advanced technology, and contribute to the overall development of rural areas.