How is the Namo Drone Didi Yojana Transforming Women's Lives in Gujarat?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Namo Drone Didi Yojana empowers women financially.
- Participants receive comprehensive training for drone operations.
- Free equipment is provided to beneficiaries.
- The initiative enhances agricultural efficiency and yield.
- Women like Ashaben Chaudhary inspire others in their communities.
Gandhinagar, Aug 8 (NationPress) The Namo Drone Didi initiative launched by the Central government has been a game-changer for numerous women, enabling them to achieve financial independence and fostering their journey toward self-sufficiency.
Countless women have seized this opportunity to embark on their path to becoming self-reliant.
In the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, Ashaben Chaudhary, a resident of Talepura village, has reaped significant benefits from the Namo Drone Didi Yojana.
She received essential training from certified professionals and is now generating a commendable income by utilizing drones for pesticide spraying in the fields.
Once limited to her household duties, Ashaben’s evolution into a ‘Drone Didi’ has not only fulfilled her aspirations but also inspired many of her fellow villagers.
She has sparked a farming revolution through drones, assisting countless farmers in the process.
‘Drone Didi’ Ashaben Chaudhary mentioned to IANS that upon learning about the Drone Didi Yojana, she decided to get involved.
“Previously, I worked from home, but this scheme has allowed me to earn a significant income,” she stated.
“This has become a major source of revenue for me. Under this program, I received a toolkit valued at approximately 17 lakhs, which includes a drone worth 10 lakhs, a vehicle worth 5 lakhs, and a generator, all provided free of charge by the government,” she added.
She expressed her heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and encouraged other women to take advantage of this initiative.
Her current annual income exceeds three lakhs.
Initially, she underwent a 15-day training program in Pune focused on drone operations, covering DGCA regulations and practical sessions. Following this training, she began pesticide spraying using drones across various districts including Vav, Tharad, Deesa, Vadgam, and Mehsana in Banaskantha.
Today, she also leads the Ashapuri Sakhi Mandal, which collaborates with local women to motivate and encourage them to join this mission.
The primary goal of the Namo Drone Didi Yojana is to promote advanced agricultural technology for enhanced efficiency, increased crop yield, and reduced operational costs.
It aims to empower Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to become drone service providers, thereby increasing their income and providing essential livelihood support.