India's agricultural landscape is undergoing a transformative shift with technology-driven initiatives. Among these, the Namo Drone Didi Yojana stands out as a powerful program that blends women empowerment, rural entrepreneurship, and precision farming. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme equips women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) with agricultural drones, enabling them to provide spraying services to farmers while earning sustainable income. As of 2026, the scheme continues to expand, creating thousands of "Drone Didis" across rural India. This comprehensive guide covers everything about Namo Drone Didi Yojana 2026 — from eligibility criteria and subsidy details to the application process and benefits.
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What is Namo Drone Didi Yojana?
The Namo Drone Didi Yojana (also known as Drone Didi Scheme) is a Central Sector Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet. It was formally announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August 2023 and launched in November 2023. The scheme operates under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
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| Namo Drone Didi Yojana 2026 |
Core Objective: To empower 15,000 women-led Self Help Groups by providing them agricultural drones. These Drone Didis offer rental services for precision spraying of liquid fertilizers, nano-fertilizers, and pesticides, reducing drudgery for farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices.
The scheme carries a total outlay of ₹1,261 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26. By early 2026, over 1,094 drones had been distributed to women SHGs across states, with Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana leading the implementation.
Important Highlights of Namo Drone Didi Yojana 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Namo Drone Didi Yojana |
| Launched By | Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2023) |
| Total Budget | ₹1,261 Crore |
| Target | 15,000 Drones to Women SHGs |
| Subsidy | 80% (Maximum ₹8 Lakh per SHG) |
| Drone Package Cost | ₹10–12 Lakh (approx.) |
| Beneficiary | Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM |
| Eligibility | Women (18+ years), 10th Pass, SHG Member |
| Training Duration | 15 Days (5 Days Pilot + 10 Days Application) |
| Expected Annual Income | ₹1 Lakh+ per SHG |
| Service Charge | ₹300 – ₹600 per acre |
| Current Status (2026) | 1,094+ Drones Distributed |
| Main Objective | Women Empowerment + Precision Agriculture |
| Official Portal | namodronedidi.da.gov.in |
Key Features of Namo Drone Didi Yojana 2026
- Drone Distribution Target: 15,000 drones to selected women SHGs.
- Financial Assistance: 80% subsidy on the drone package, capped at ₹8 lakh per SHG.
- Training: Mandatory 15-day training (5 days drone pilot + 10 days application techniques).
- Income Potential: SHGs can earn additional ₹1 lakh or more annually through drone services.
- Technology Integration: Use of drones for precision agriculture, reducing chemical usage and labour costs.
- Support Ecosystem: Includes spare parts, insurance, maintenance contract, and marketing linkages.
Eligibility Criteria for Namo Drone Didi Yojana
The scheme specifically targets rural women. Here are the main eligibility requirements:
- Women-Centric: Only women above 18 years of age.
- Education: Minimum 10th pass (relaxations may apply in certain cases).
- SHG Membership: The applicant must be a member of a Self Help Group (SHG) promoted under DAY-NRLM. Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) are also eligible.
- Group Commitment: The SHG should be willing to manage drone operations and provide services to at least 2,000–2,500 acres annually.
- State-wise Selection: Selection occurs through district-level committees involving NRLM, agriculture departments, and lead fertilizer companies.
Women from SC/ST, minority communities, and backward regions often receive priority.
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Subsidy and Financial Assistance
One of the most attractive aspects of the scheme is the generous financial support:
- Subsidy: 80% of the drone package cost, maximum ₹8 lakh per SHG.
- Drone Package Includes: Basic spraying drone, spare batteries (4 sets), propellers, nozzles, chargers, camera, one-year insurance, two-year maintenance contract, and GST.
- Balance Amount: SHGs can avail loans under Agri Infra Financing Facility (AIF) with 3% interest subvention.
- Total Drone Cost: Typically ₹10–12 lakh; beneficiaries pay only 20% effectively through subsidized loans.
This structure makes drone ownership highly affordable for rural women groups.
Training and Skill Development
Selected SHG members receive comprehensive training at authorized Remote Pilot Training Organizations (RPTOs) recognized by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
- Duration: 15 days for medium drones (5 days pilot training + 10 days agri-application).
- Certification: Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) upon successful completion.
- Additional Support: Training on drone maintenance, safety protocols, business management, and precision spraying techniques.
- Drone Assistant: A separate 5-day training for support members.
Trained Drone Didis gain confidence in operating sophisticated technology, breaking traditional gender barriers in rural India.
How to Apply for Namo Drone Didi Yojana 2026 (Step-by-Step)
The application process is primarily offline through local institutions, with some online elements via portals:
- Join an SHG: If not already a member, contact your local DAY-NRLM office or Community Resource Person (CRP) to join a Self Help Group.
- Express Interest: Approach the District NRLM office, Agriculture Department, or Lead Fertilizer Company (LFC) nodal officer.
- Submit Application: Fill the prescribed form with details of the SHG, members, and proposed business plan.
- Verification: District-level committee verifies eligibility and selects SHGs based on capacity and demand.
- Training & Procurement: Selected groups undergo training, after which drones are procured and handed over.
- Online Portal: Visit the Official Namo Drone Didi Portal (namodronedidi.da.gov.in) for guidelines, documents, selected SHG lists, and updates.
Required Documents (generally):
- Aadhaar cards of members
- SHG registration certificate
- Bank account details
- Educational certificates
- Land or service area proof (if applicable)
Applicants should regularly check state NRLM websites and local panchayat offices for fresh calls in 2026.
Benefits of Namo Drone Didi Yojana for Women SHGs
The scheme delivers multi-dimensional benefits:
Economic Benefits:
- Additional annual income of ₹1 lakh+ per SHG.
- Service charges: ₹300–600 per acre depending on crop and region.
- Peak season daily earnings can reach ₹8,000–12,000 for active groups.
Social Benefits:
- Financial independence for rural women.
- Enhanced social status and decision-making power.
- Reduced migration and stronger local communities.
Agricultural Benefits:
- Precision spraying reduces chemical usage by 20–30%.
- Saves time, labour, and water.
- Improves crop yield and quality through uniform application.
- Promotes eco-friendly nano-fertilizer usage.
Environmental Impact:
- Lower drudgery and health risks from manual spraying.
- Supports sustainable farming practices.
Real-life stories from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka show Drone Didis transforming village economies and inspiring other women.
Current Status and Progress in 2026
As of January 2026, more than 1,094 drones were distributed, with strong performance in southern and northern states. The government continues to expand training centers and service networks. Budgetary support through DAY-NRLM further strengthens the ecosystem for 2026–27.
Challenges such as maintenance, initial capital for balance loans, and awareness in remote areas persist, but state governments and LFCs are actively addressing them through workshops and handholding.
Future Prospects
The Namo Drone Didi Yojana aligns with broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, and women-led development. Future phases may include advanced drones for crop monitoring, soil analysis, and seed sowing. Integration with platforms like Kisan Drones and e-NAM can further boost earnings.
Conclusion
The Namo Drone Didi Yojana 2026 is more than a subsidy scheme — it is a movement empowering rural women as technology leaders in agriculture. By providing drones, training, and market linkages, it creates sustainable livelihoods while modernizing Indian farming.
Eligible women from SHGs should contact their local NRLM offices immediately to seize this opportunity. With strong government backing and growing acceptance among farmers, becoming a Drone Didi could be a life-changing decision for thousands of rural women in 2026 and beyond.
| Official Website | Click Here |
|---|---|
| Central Govt Scheme | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Telegram |
FAQs on Namo Drone Didi Yojana 2026
Q: What is Namo Drone Didi Yojana?
Namo Drone Didi Yojana is a Central Government scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 to empower rural women. It provides agricultural drones to women Self Help Groups (SHGs) so they can offer spraying services to farmers and earn income.
Q: Who can apply for this scheme?
Any woman above 18 years of age who has passed 10th standard and is a member of a DAY-NRLM Self Help Group (SHG) can apply. Priority is given to women from backward and rural areas.
Q: How much subsidy is available?
The government provides 80% subsidy on the drone package, up to a maximum of ₹8 Lakh per SHG. The beneficiary needs to arrange only the remaining 20%, which can be taken as a loan at low interest.
Q: How to apply for Namo Drone Didi Yojana 2026?
Contact your local NRLM office, Agriculture Department, or nearest Self Help Group. Submit the application form along with Aadhaar, SHG details, and education certificates. You can also check the official portal namodronedidi.da.gov.in for updates.
Q: What is the training duration?
Selected women receive 15 days of free training (5 days drone flying + 10 days on fertilizer & pesticide spraying). After completion, they get a DGCA-recognized Remote Pilot Certificate.
Q: How much can Drone Didis earn?
A Drone Didi can earn ₹1 Lakh or more per year. They charge ₹300 to ₹600 per acre for spraying services. In peak season, daily earnings can reach ₹8,000–12,000.
Q: How many drones have been distributed so far?
As of early 2026, more than 1,094 drones have been given to women SHGs across India. Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana are leading states.
Q: What does the drone package include?
The package includes the drone, spare batteries, charger, camera, nozzles, one-year insurance, two years maintenance, and all necessary accessories.