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Drone Didis Soar: UP Women Lead Agri-Tech Revolution
11 Sep
Summary
- Women-led SHGs receive subsidized drones and training.
- Uttar Pradesh ranks second in training women as Drone Didis.
- Scheme aims to create income and technical skills for rural women.
The Namo Drone Didi scheme is revolutionizing agriculture by training women in rural communities to operate agricultural drones. This initiative, under the Ministry of Rural Development, targets women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and aims to equip approximately 15,000 SHGs with drones by 2026. The government provides significant financial assistance, covering 80% of the drone cost, and includes accessories, insurance, and maintenance.
Training is a core component, with members becoming certified drone pilots and assistants. As of January 2026, Uttar Pradesh ranked second nationally with 128 trained Drone Didis, following Karnataka's 145. This program equips women with formal DGCA-approved pilot licenses, offering valuable technical skills.
The scheme extends beyond mere equipment provision. SHGs can offer drone-based spraying services to farmers, generating income and fostering a rural service economy. This creates a dual benefit: modernized farming practices for farmers and new livelihood opportunities for women, marking a significant transition towards specialized, technology-based rural enterprises.
