Image-AI
Namo Drone Didi 2026: 1,000+ Women Pilots Now Leading India's Agri-Tech Revolution
By NewsDaily| Published: Feb 13, 2026 | Guwahati
The skyline of rural India is changing. On February 13, 2026, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Shri Ramnath Thakur, informed the Rajya Sabha that the Namo Drone Didi Scheme has officially passed a major milestone: 1,094 drones are now operational across 22 states, turning rural women into high-earning certified pilots.
With a massive ₹1,261 Crore budget allocated through 2026, this central sector scheme isn't just about farming; it's a social engineering masterstroke that is putting advanced tech in the hands of Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The "Drone Didi" State Leaderboard (As of Jan 2026)
The latest data shows a healthy competition among states. While Karnataka (145) and Uttar Pradesh (128) are the current frontrunners, southern states like Andhra Pradesh (108),Telangana (81) and Assam(28) are showing rapid adoption rates.
How SHGs are Turning Rotors into Revenue
A study by the ADRTC, Bangalore, reveals that these 500+ scheme-funded drones have created a sustainable business model.
- Income Shift: SHGs previously doing manual labor are now earning ₹60,000 to ₹80,000 per month by renting out drone services for spraying Nano Urea and pesticides.
- Speed & Scale: A "Kisan Drone" can spray one acre of land in just 7-8 minutes - a task that previously took half a day.
- Health First: Women are now safely operating from the field's edge, avoiding direct contact with hazardous chemicals.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Namo Drone Didi 2026
If you are part of an SHG or want to help a local group, here is the official roadmap to becoming a Drone Didi:
1. Eligibility Check
- Group Type: Must be a registered Women SHG under DAY-NRLM.
- Pilot Selection: One member (18-50 years) with a Class 10th pass certificate.
- Assistant Selection: Another member/family member to be trained as a "Drone Assistant" for repairs.
2. The Financial Model (80:20 Rule)
- 80% Subsidy: The government pays up to ₹8 Lakh of the drone cost.
- 20% Loan: The remaining amount can be taken as a loan via the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with a 3% interest subvention.
3. The Training Phase
Selected members undergo a 15-day training program at DGCA-authorized centers. This includes 5 days of mandatory flight training and 10 days of specialized agricultural application (liquid fertilizer/pesticide management).
#NamoDroneDidi #KisanDrone #Agriculture2026 #DigitalIndia
Post a Comment