Empowering Women in Chhattisgarh: The Namo Drone Didi Yojana for Self-Employment

Namo Drone Didi Yojana: A Step Towards Self-Employment

Chhattisgarh is embracing new technologies as part of the Namo Drone Didi Yojana, which focuses on empowering women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through comprehensive drone training. This initiative, spearheaded by the government, aims to create job opportunities while enhancing agricultural practices across the region.

Training Program in Baloda Bazar District

The training will commence in Baloda Bazar district, where a significant number of women have shown enthusiasm to learn drone operations. District collector Deepak Soni stated that this initiative aligns with the state's broader goal of integrating cutting-edge technology into agriculture.

• Women eligible for this program must be between 18 and 37 years old.
• They must be active members of a Self-Help Group.
• The program aims to provide drone pilot licenses for agricultural purposes.

Benefits for Rural Women

Moreover, the successful execution of this project not only ensures the establishment of a Cadre of Drone Didis but also enables women to gain financial independence through employment in agricultural technology. These trained women can offer services like crop monitoring, spraying fertilizers, and pesticides—substantially improving productivity in farming.

As per recent testimonies, women like Nirupa Sahu are already utilizing drone technology, charging Rs 300 per acre for their services, thereby generating a sustainable income. This reflects the transformative potential of such initiatives to enhance self-employment.

The Namo Drone Didi Yojana plans to provide drones to approximately 15,000 SHGs over the next four years, illustrating a long-term commitment to rural empowerment.