Introduction to the Namo Drone Didi Scheme
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme, a flagship initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is transforming the lives of rural women in Uttar Pradesh. By training them as skilled drone pilots, the scheme enables women to earn ₹60,000 to ₹75,000 per month while modernizing agricultural practices. This innovative program bridges gender empowerment, rural livelihood development, and technological adoption in farming.
How the Namo Drone Didi Scheme Works
1. Skill Development & Training
- 17-Day Intensive Program: Women undergo rigorous training at institutions like Marut Drone Academy, learning drone operation, maintenance, and agricultural applications (e.g., pesticide spraying, crop monitoring).
- Government Recognition: Participants gain visibility through national platforms, such as PM Modi’s Sashakt Nari, Viksit Bharat virtual event.
2. Entrepreneurship Opportunities
- Drone Services for Farmers: Trained “Drone Didis” offer affordable services to local farmers, including:
- Pesticide Spraying: Covers 1 acre in 7-8 minutes (vs. hours manually).
- Seed Sowing & Crop Monitoring.
- High Earnings: Women like Urmila Devi (Varanasi) earn ₹75,000/month by servicing 20–25 acres daily.
3. Institutional Support
- Marut Drone Academy’s Role: Aims to train 300 women by 2026, providing post-training mentorship and market linkages.
- Affordable Technology: Reduces farmers’ costs by 30–50% (pesticides, water, labor).
Success Stories: From Aspiring Teachers to Drone Pilots
Devaki Rajput (Mainpuri District)
- Background: Aspired to be a school teacher but found her calling in drone technology.
- Achievement: Earns ₹60,000–70,000/month after 17-day training.
- Milestone: Demonstrated drone flying at PM Modi’s virtual event.
Anita Patel (Varanasi)
- Journey: After her husband fell ill, Anita managed their farm and trained as a drone pilot.
- Impact: Runs a thriving drone service business, supporting local farmers.
Urmila Devi (Bisunpur Village, Varanasi)
- Efficiency: Sprays pesticides on 25 acres/day, earning ₹75,000/month.
- Quote: “Drones saved time, increased income, and helped me stand on my feet.”
Why the Namo Drone Didi Scheme Matters
- Women Empowerment: Breaks gender stereotypes in tech-driven fields.
- Agricultural Modernization: Enhances farm productivity with precision technology.
- Economic Growth: Creates rural entrepreneurship and reduces urban migration.
- Sustainability: Cuts chemical/water usage, promoting eco-friendly farming.
Future Goals of the Scheme
- Scale-Up: Train 300+ women by 2026 across Uttar Pradesh.
- Tech Expansion: Introduce advanced drones for diverse farming needs.
- National Model: Replicate the scheme in other states to empower women nationwide.
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is a game-changer for rural India, merging women’s empowerment with agricultural innovation
