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Source: The post is based on the article “Cabinet approves Central Sector Scheme for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups” published in “PIB” on 30th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Central Sector Scheme for providing Drones to the Women Self Help Groups (SHGs).
What is the Scheme for providing Drones to Women SHGs?
| Specifications | Details |
| Type | Central Sector Scheme |
| Aim | To provide 15,000 drones to selected Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) for the purpose of offering rental services to farmers for agriculture purposes. |
| Duration of the scheme | 2023-24 to 2025-2026 |
| Departments involved | The scheme converges the resources and efforts of Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW); Department of Rural development (DoRD); Department of Fertilizers (DoF); Women SHGs and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs). |
| Identification of SHGs | The women SHGs would be identified from the total 89 lakh SHGs formed under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana. |
| Financial Assistance | 1) Central Financial Assistance covering 80% of drone costs up to a maximum of Rs. 8 Lakh will be provided. 2) The remaining amount can be raised through National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF) with a provision of interest subvention @ 3% on the AIF loan. |
| Training | 1) One of the members of SHGs will be trained for drone piloting skills and agriculture purpose of nutrient and pesticide application. 2) Another member will be trained as drone technicians. This will allow them to not just operate the drone but also repair and maintain it. |
| Nano Fertilizers | The scheme also promotes the use of Nano Fertilizers like Nano Urea and Nano DAP through drone services. |
| Significance of the scheme | 1) Enables an additional income to SHGs of at least Rs.1 lakh per annum. 2) Helps infuse advanced technology in agriculture for improved efficiency, enhanced crop yield and reduced cost of operation. |
What is Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM)?
UPSC Syllabus: Schemes in News
