EMPOWERING WOMEN IN AGRICULTURAL ADVANCEMENTS

TAG: GS 2: GOVERNANCE, GS 3: AGRICULTURE

THE CONTEXT: The Union Government has announced a comprehensive scheme aimed at leveraging drone technology to empower 15,000 progressive women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for agricultural purposes.

EXPLANATION:

• This initiative was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister.
• The initiative seeks to revolutionize agricultural practices by providing access to drones, enhancing efficiency, crop yield, and reducing operational costs for farmers.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SCHEME:

• Objective:
  • Infusing advanced technology in agriculture for improved efficiency, enhanced crop yield, and reduced operational costs, ultimately benefitting farmers.
• Financial Outlay:
  • The scheme will have a financial outlay of ₹1,261 crore over two years, beginning in 2024-25.
• Target Beneficiaries:
  • 15,000 progressive women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will be identified from the 89 lakh SHGs formed under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana.
• Central Financial Assistance:
  • The Union Government will provide 80% of the drone’s cost, amounting to up to ₹8 lakh out of the total expense of ₹10 lakh for each drone and its accessories.
• Drone Distribution:
  • Around 500 drones will be contributed by fertilizer companies, while the remaining 14,500 drones will be made available through Central assistance over the next two years.
• Training and Support:
  • Selected SHG members will undergo a 15-day training program, including a five-day mandatory drone pilot training.
  • An additional 10-day training for agricultural purposes related to nutrient and pesticide application will be executed.
  • An honorarium of ₹15,000 for the pilot and ₹10,000 for the co-pilot will be provided.
• Sustainable Livelihood:
  • The scheme is expected to provide sustainable business and livelihood support to the 15,000 SHGs, enabling them to earn an additional income of at least ₹1 lakh per annum.

IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY:

• Identification of SHGs:
  • The scheme will identify appropriate clusters where drone usage is economically feasible, selecting SHGs based on this criterion.
• Training Process:
  • Well-qualified SHG members aged 18 and above will be elected for training as drone pilots, focusing on both technical operation and agricultural application aspects.
  • Additionally, another member of the group will be trained as a technician or assistant.
• Financial Assistance and Drone Allocation:
  • Central financial assistance will cover the majority of the drone cost, with fertilizer companies contributing some drones.
  • The allocation will take place over a span of two years.

EXPECTED IMPACT:

• Technological Advancement:
  • Integration of drone technology in agriculture will usher in advanced practices, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
• Income Generation:
  • Empowering SHGs with drones is anticipated to generate an additional income of ₹1 lakh per annum for the participating groups.
• Agricultural Transformation:
  • The utilization of drones for nutrient and pesticide application is expected to significantly improve crop yield while reducing operational costs for farmers.
• Livelihood Support:
  • The scheme aims to offer sustainable business support, contributing to the livelihood enhancement of 15,000 SHGs.

CONCLUSION:

• The initiative to empower women’s SHGs with drone technology marks a pivotal step towards modernizing agricultural practices in India.
• With financial support, comprehensive training, and strategic distribution of drones, this scheme is poised to revolutionize farming techniques, benefitting farmers and fostering economic empowerment among women in rural areas.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/business/agri-business/cabinet-nod-for-1261-crore-scheme-to-provide-drones-to-15000-women-shgs-for-two-years/article67586797.ece