The Union Cabinet of India has recently approved a significant Central Sector Scheme, aiming to empower Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) through technology. The scheme involves providing drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs, with an outlay of Rs. 1,261 crore. This initiative spans from the financial year 2024-25 to 2025-26 and is focused on offering these drones for rental services to farmers, primarily for agricultural purposes.
Under this scheme, the Central government will bear 80% of the cost of each drone, estimated at Rs. 10 lakh. Approximately 500 drones are expected to be provided by fertilizer companies, while the remaining 14,500 drones will be made available through central assistance over the next two years. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of integrating modern technology into agriculture, enhancing productivity and efficiency in the sector.
The decision to implement this scheme was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This move is a part of a larger strategy to modernize agricultural practices in India and to empower women in rural areas by involving them in technologically advanced agricultural operations. By providing these drones on rent to farmers, the scheme not only aims to improve agricultural yields but also to create new economic opportunities for Women SHGs, fostering entrepreneurship and skill development in the sector.
The drones provided under this scheme are likely to be used for various agricultural purposes, such as crop monitoring, pest control, and spraying fertilizers and pesticides. This technological intervention is expected to bring precision farming techniques within the reach of ordinary farmers, thereby enhancing the overall productivity and sustainability of agriculture in India.
In summary, this scheme represents a significant investment in women’s empowerment and agricultural technology, with the potential to transform both the role of women in rural economies and the nature of farming practices in India.