Daily Current Affairs : 2-November-2024
The Government of India has launched the Namo Drone Didi scheme to empower women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas. This initiative, under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), aims to introduce drones to agriculture, providing women with new tools to support farming and generate additional income. This scheme highlights the government’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment and improving agricultural practices in rural India.
Origin and Purpose
The Namo Drone Didi scheme was launched by the Government of India to integrate technology in rural agricultural practices. Its main aim is to provide women-led SHGs with drones that can assist in agriculture-related activities such as crop spraying and field monitoring. By providing drones, the scheme empowers women by giving them new skills, creating business opportunities, and enhancing the efficiency of farming practices.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Financial Support:
- The government offers 80% financial assistance to cover the cost of drones, with a cap of ₹8 lakh per drone.
- The remaining cost can be covered through loans, with a 3% interest subvention provided through the National Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
- Drone Package:
- The package includes drones with spray systems, additional batteries, training for operating and maintaining the drones, and insurance.
- It also includes a one-year warranty and two years of maintenance support.
- Training and Support:
- SHG members will receive 15 days of training on how to operate and maintain drones, as well as on their agricultural uses, making them more skilled in modern farming techniques.
Implementation and Monitoring
- The scheme will be managed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development.
- State-level Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) and local State Departments will handle the implementation at the grassroots level, allocating drones to SHG clusters.
- To ensure the success of the scheme, an IT-based Management Information System (MIS) will monitor drone operations and service delivery through a dedicated Drone Portal.
Important Points:
- Namo Drone Didi Scheme launched by the Government of India under the DAY-NRLM initiative to empower women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas.
- Objective: Provide drones to women SHGs for agriculture-related services, enhancing farming efficiency and creating new income opportunities.
- Financial Support:
- 80% of the drone cost covered by the government, capped at ₹8 lakh per drone.
- Remaining cost can be financed through loans with 3% interest subvention under the National Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
- Drone Package includes:
- Drones with spray systems and additional battery sets.
- Training for SHG members on drone operation and maintenance.
- One-year warranty, two years of maintenance, and insurance.
- Training: SHG members receive 15 days of training for drone operation, maintenance, and agricultural use.
- Implementation: Managed by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development.
- State-level agencies like Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) and State Departments will oversee implementation.
- Monitoring: An IT-based MIS (Management Information System) Drone Portal will track drone operations and service delivery.
- Goal: Empower women, improve farming efficiency, and promote rural economic growth through the use of technology.
Why In News
The Government of India has launched the “Namo Drone Didi” scheme to empower women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), aiming to enhance their income opportunities and improve agricultural practices through the use of advanced drone technology. This initiative not only promotes gender equality but also supports rural development by integrating modern tools into traditional farming.
MCQs about The Namo Drone Didi Scheme
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What is the primary objective of the “Namo Drone Didi” scheme?
A. To increase agricultural exports
B. To empower women SHGs through drone technology for agriculture
C. To promote urban farming practices
D. To provide financial assistance to male farmers
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How much financial assistance does the Government of India provide for the drones under the scheme?
A. 50% of the drone cost
B. 80% of the drone cost, capped at ₹8 lakh
C. Full financial assistance for the drone
D. 70% of the drone cost
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Who will be responsible for training SHG members in the use of drones under the scheme?
A. Private drone companies
B. Local educational institutions
C. Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) and State Departments
D. Foreign agencies
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What system will be used to monitor the operations and service delivery of drones under the Namo Drone Didi scheme?
A. Manual tracking system
B. Satellite tracking system
C. IT-based Management Information System (MIS) Drone Portal
D. Physical field inspections
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