GS Paper II

News Excerpt:

The Union Cabinet has approved a central sector scheme to provide drones to women self-help groups (SHGs), with an outlay of Rs 1,261 crore.

About the Scheme

• It is a Central Sector Scheme.
• The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected women SHGs during the period 2023-24 to 2025-2026 to provide rental services to farmers for agricultural purposes”.
• The scheme seeks to empower women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and bring new technologies through drone services in the agriculture sector.

Highlights of the Scheme:

• The scheme approves holistic interventions by converging the resources and efforts of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), Department of Rural Development (DoRD) Department of Fertilizers (DoF), Women SHGs and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs).

• The Cluster Level Federation (CLFs) of SHGs may raise the balance amount (total cost of procurement minus subsidy) as a loan under the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF).

• Interest subvention @ 3% on the AIF loan will be provided to the SHGs.

• There will be a 15-day training which comprises 5-day mandatory drone pilot training and an additional 10-day training for agriculture purposes of nutrient and pesticide application, provided to the women of SHGs who are well qualified and 18 or above years of age. 

• The other member/family member of the SHG with the inclination to take up repairs of electrical goods, fitting and mechanical works will be selected by the State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) and LFCs who will be trained as drone technicians/assistants. This training shall be provided as a package along with the supply of drones.

• Significance of the Scheme:

• The LFCs will act as a bridge between drone supplier companies and SHGs.
• LFCs will also promote the use of Nano Fertilizers such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP by drones with SHGs. 
• SHGs will rent out drone services to the farmers for Nano fertilizer and also for pesticide applications.

Conclusion:

The scheme's approved initiatives are expected to give sustainable business and livelihood support to 15,000 SHGs, allowing them to earn an additional income of at least Rs. One lakh per year. The initiative will aid in the incorporation of advanced technologies into agriculture in order to improve efficiency, increase crop yield, and lower operating costs for the benefit of farmers.