The Union Cabinet has given the nod for a central scheme to provide drones to 15,000 women Self Help Groups (SHGs), with an outlay of ₹1,261 crore for two years beginning next fiscal year, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur told reporters on Wednesday.

The decision was taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

"The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected women SHGs from 2024-25 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes," Thakur said.

The initiative aims to integrate drone technology with the agricultural sector while empowering women SHGs. The strategy involves collaborative efforts from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Department of Rural Development, and Department of Fertilizers, alongside Women SHGs and Lead Fertiliser Companies.

According to a press release, clusters economically viable for drone use will be identified, with 15,000 women SHGs in selected states receiving Central Financial Assistance covering 80% of drone costs, up to ₹8 lakh. The remaining amount can be raised as a loan under the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility, with a 3% interest subvention.

To ensure efficiency, a 15-day training programme will be mandated for selected SHG members. The programme is said to include drone pilot training and additional agriculture-focused training.

“It is envisaged that the approved initiatives under the scheme will provide sustainable business and livelihood support to 15,000 SHGs and they would be able to earn additional income of at least ₹1 lakh per annum,” the press release said.

Prime Minister Modi had announced empowering SHGs with drone technology from the Red Fort in his Independence Day speech on August 15, while pitching for leveraging the potential of science and technology in rural development.

(Edited by : Vijay Anand)