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.