Karnataka Leads in Training Women Drone Pilots Under Namo Drone Didi Yojana | 08 Apr 2026

Why in News? 

Karnataka has emerged as the leading state in training women Self‑Help Group (SHG) members as drone pilots under the Namo Drone Didi Yojana. 

Key Points 

• Scheme: The Namo Drone Didi Yojana is a central sector initiative to empower women‑led SHGs by providing training and access to agricultural drone technology. 
  • Karnataka has trained the highest number of women SHG members as drone pilots under this scheme. 
  • The scheme is implemented jointly by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Department of Rural Development, and Department of Fertilisers. 
• Implementation: The scheme operates under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY‑NRLM) and promotes precision farming through drone technology. 
  • The DAY-NRLM program is executed by the Ministry of Rural Development. 
• Agricultural Services: Trained SHGs can provide drone rental services to farmers, especially for spraying fertilisers and pesticides, improving efficiency and reducing labour. 
• Targets: The government aims to distribute around 15,000 drones to women SHGs during 2024–25 and 2025–26. 
• Financial Assistance: Central financial aid covers 80% of the drone cost up to ₹8 lakh, while the remaining 20% can be financed through loans with interest subvention. 
• Training Programme: Each SHG member undergoes a 15‑day training programme that includes mandatory drone pilot certification and specialised agricultural applications.