“Navigating the Government Connect: Unlock Grants, Subsidies, Policy Alignment & Zero-Cost Growth Opportunities”
Budget 2025-26: MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE; DEMAND NO. 1; Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare…
14. NAMO DRONE DIDI:..The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected Women SHGs during the period 2023-24 to 2025-2026 for providing rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose
Scheme Overview:
Provides 11,410 drones to Women SHGs in 2025-26 (total 15,000 by 2025-26) with:
• 80% subsidy (up to ₹8 lakh/drone)
• Targets 1.71 lakh ha drone application coverage
• Trains 11,410 women as drone pilots
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Part 1: Salient Features (2025-26)
Parameter Detail
Financial Outlay ₹676.85 crore
Physical Targets 11,410 drones supplied
Coverage Goal 1,71,150 hectares
Training 11,410 women certified
Subsidy Mechanism 80% upfront, 20% bank loan
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Part 2: Startup Opportunities – Precision Ecosystem
1. Drone Fleet Management Systems
Tech Solution:
• AI-based spray scheduling optimizing 1 drone/50ha
• Battery swap stations at PACS (3km radius)
Alignment:
• Extends drone coverage to meet 1.71L ha target
2. SHG-led Service Hubs
Model:
• Cluster approach: 5 SHGs/drone covering 250ha
• Revenue Streams:
o ₹500/ha spraying (30% margin)
o ₹200/ha crop health mapping
3. Agri-Input Integration
Opportunity:
• Partner with IFFCO/Coromandel for:
o Drone-optimized nano fertilizers
o Precision pesticide kits
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Part 3: Founder’s Action Plan
1. Drone Command Center
• Step 1: Develop GIS-based booking platform integrated with:
o Soil health cards (for precision input)
o e-NAM (yield mapping)
• Step 2: Monetize via:
o 15% service fee on SHG earnings
o Data licensing to insurance companies
2. Battery Infrastructure
• Step 1: Set up 200 solar charging pods in MP/Punjab
• Step 2: Charge ₹100/charge (ROI in 18 months)
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Part 4: Financial Viability (Per SHG Unit)
Metric Value
Drone Cost ₹10 lakh
Subsidy ₹8 lakh
Loan (5% interest) ₹2 lakh
Annual Revenue ₹4.2L (@350ha coverage)
Profit Margin 35%
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Part 5: Cross-Cutting Strategies
Strategy Action Impact
Regulatory DGCA Type Certification Faster approvals
Funding NABARD’s RIDF + Startup India 90% capital covered
Training KVK + Drone Startup Academies Standardized skills
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Pro Tip: Bundle services with PMFBY for crop insurance assessments to boost utilization.
