The Central Government’s Namo Drone Didi scheme makes rural women self-reliant by connecting them to drone technology. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched it on 30 November 2023, and it has been running as a central scheme from 11 March 2024 under DAY-NRLM. The scheme is run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Outlay ₹1,261 crore for 15,000 SHGs; target ₹1 lakh extra annual income per SHG.
How much help is given for a drone
A women SHG gets Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of 80% of the drone package cost — up to a maximum of ₹8 lakh. The remaining 20% is financed through a loan from the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), on which 3% interest subvention is also given. The package includes a drone with spray assembly, 4 spare battery sets, extra propeller sets, nozzle sets, a dual channel fast charger, 1-year insurance and a 2-year annual maintenance contract (AMC).
How training is given
One member of each selected SHG gets 15 days of training — 5 days of mandatory drone pilot training (in a DGCA-recognised institution) and 10 days of training in agricultural use (nutrient and pesticide management). Another member of the SHG is trained as a drone assistant, so that she can handle repair and maintenance. Training is free, and the trained woman gets a remote pilot certificate and is called a Drone Didi.
Difference from Haryana’s Drone Didi scheme
This is the Central Government’s Namo Drone Didi scheme — for 15,000 SHGs across India. Haryana’s own Drone Didi scheme is different — it is a state government scheme run by Haryana’s Youth Empowerment department and DRIISHYA (Karnal), with a target of training 5,000 women of 500 SHGs.
Who can apply
To apply, the woman must be an active member of a women self-help group (SHG) registered under DAY-NRLM — an individual woman outside an SHG cannot apply for this scheme. She must be ready to take drone pilot training at a DGCA-recognised institution and be physically and mentally fit. The number of SHGs in the scheme is fixed (15,000), so not every applicant SHG is selected — selection happens through the state. Approved period ran to 2025-26 — check the portal.
How to apply
Selection happens through the state — interested SHGs should contact their gram panchayat, block or district rural development agency. Official information and guidelines are available on the portal namodronedidi.da.gov.in. SHG registration, member details and training arrangements are handled through the portal and the state agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much help is given under the Namo Drone Didi scheme?
A: 80% of the drone package cost, up to ₹8 lakh; the balance comes through an AIF loan with 3% interest subvention.
Q2: How many days is the training?
A: 15 days — 5 days of DGCA drone pilot training and 10 days of agricultural-use training; another member gets drone assistant training.
Q3: Is Haryana’s Drone Didi scheme the same as this?
A: No — Haryana’s scheme is a separate state government scheme (500 SHGs, DRIISHYA training); this central scheme is for 15,000 SHGs.
Q4: Who can apply?
A: An active member of a women SHG registered under DAY-NRLM — an individual woman cannot apply directly; selection happens through the state.
Useful links
- Namo Drone Didi Portal: https://namodronedidi.da.gov.in/
- Namo Drone Didi Scheme on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/ndd
- Haryana Drone Didi Scheme (state scheme): /drone-didi-yojana-haryana/
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — /english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
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