The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, granted approval on Wednesday for a scheme in which the central government will distribute drones to up to 15,000 Women’s Self Help Groups over the next four years.
The distribution of these drones is scheduled to take place between 2023-24 and 2025-26. Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) will have the opportunity to offer these drones as rental services to farmers for various agricultural purposes.
The projected capital outlay for the scheme is set at Rs 1,261 crore over the next four years.
As per the announcement by Union Minister Anurag Thakur at a press conference, the central government will provide assistance covering 80% of the cost of the drone and associated accessories/ancillary charges, up to a maximum of Rs 8 lakh. The Director General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) shared this information on his official timeline.
“This scheme is important as part of PM Modi’s ‘lakhpati didi’ initiative. Drones play a key role in the services sector. There are about 10 crore women who are part of some Self Help Groups. Through this drone scheme, it has been ensured that they use technology in farming. Drones will improve efficiency in spraying fertilisers and pesticides,” Union minister Anurag Thakur told media persons.
Additionally, one member of the Self Help Groups (SHGs) will receive mandatory five-day drone pilot training, along with an additional 10-day training focused on agricultural purposes such as nutrient and pesticide application.
The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the Central government’s provision of free grains to eligible citizens under the public distribution scheme for an additional five years.
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