Under the Namo Drone Didi initiative, women's self-help groups are receiving subsidized agricultural drones and training. In terms of trained 'Drone Didis,' Uttar Pradesh ranks second nationally.
Traditionally, spraying fertilizers and pesticides in fields is a labor-intensive and slow process. The Namo Drone Didi program, launched as a centralized scheme, offers a modern alternative by delivering agricultural drones directly into the hands of rural women through their Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
According to the Minister of Rural Development's response in parliament, 1094 drones were distributed among women-led self-help groups nationwide by January 2026. Uttar Pradesh ranked second among all states with 128 'Drone Didis,' trailing only Karnataka (145), but surpassing Andhra Pradesh (108) and Haryana (102).
A significant step for the state was the training of 90 women from Phulpur in the Prayagraj district by drone manufacturer Marut Drones under this program. This is one of the largest training groups in a single district reported so far.
One drone team can spray an area of up to 20 acres per day, further aided by additional battery packs included in the package. Besides direct income from renting out drone services to local farmers, the program aims to equip women with recognized technical skills. Under this program, they are issued a DGCA-approved drone pilot license, allowing them to acquire drone operation skills while managing their current agricultural and domestic duties.