The Maharashtra government has launched the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative as part of its 2024-25 budget, aiming to modernize agriculture and empower rural women through drone technology. Under this scheme, 325 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will receive agricultural drones, along with training and financial support, enabling them to boost farming efficiency and generate income through Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS).
Transforming Agriculture with Drone Technology
As one of India's key agricultural states, Maharashtra is taking a major leap toward precision farming by integrating drone technology into agricultural practices. The ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme aligns with the state’s broader goal of leveraging technology for sustainable farming.
By using drones for tasks such as spraying fertilizers and pesticides, farmers can reduce input costs, improve crop yields, and enhance resource efficiency. The initiative provides an 80% subsidy, covering up to ₹8 lakh (approximately $9,600) per drone. Additionally, participating SHGs will undergo structured training, equipping women with specialized skills to become certified drone operators—a crucial step in building a skilled workforce for agricultural drone operations.
Economic Empowerment for Rural Women
Beyond transforming agriculture, the scheme is designed to empower rural women financially. By offering drone services to farmers, women-led SHGs can earn up to ₹60,000 per month (approximately $700), fostering entrepreneurship and financial independence in rural communities.
Prem Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder of Marut Drones, praised the initiative, stating:
“The ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme is a game-changer for agriculture and rural women’s empowerment. By equipping 325 SHGs with agricultural drones, Maharashtra is leading the way in precision farming and resource optimization. Structured training will create a new wave of skilled drone pilots, allowing women to offer Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), improving farm productivity while creating sustainable income opportunities. This visionary initiative will accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge agri-tech solutions, making Maharashtra’s farming landscape more efficient, sustainable, and resilient.”
Government Support and Future Plans
The ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme is part of India’s larger vision to integrate advanced technology into agriculture while promoting women’s economic participation. The central government has allocated ₹500 crore (approximately $57 million) to support this initiative, aiming to provide drones to 15,000 SHGs from 2024-25 to 2025-26.
In its first phase for the 2024-25 fiscal year, Maharashtra will distribute drones to 3,090 SHGs, with each group expected to earn at least ₹1 lakh (approximately $1,200) annually.
With its focus on agriculture, technology, and women’s empowerment, the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative is set to revolutionize rural livelihoods and drive Maharashtra toward a more innovative and self-reliant farming ecosystem.
