State PCS - Karnataka (KPSC)

• 08 Apr 2026

Karnataka Leads in Training Women Drone Pilots Under Namo Drone Didi Yojana

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.  

Read More: Self‑Help Group (SHG), DAY‑NRLM, Namo Drone Didi Yojana