SCHEME FOR PROVIDING DRONES TO WOMEN

Context:

• The government has approved a Central Sector Scheme for providing Drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) from 2023-24 to 2025-2026.

What is a Central Sector Scheme?

1. A Central Sector Scheme is a type of government program in India where the central government provides all the funds and manages the implementation.
2. This is different from Centrally Sponsored Schemes, where both the central and state governments share the funding and responsibilities.

What is a drone?

1. A drone is like a small flying robot that you can control from the ground.
2. It can have a camera or sensors on it, helping it take pictures or do different tasks.
3. It is also known as the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) which means an aircraft without a human pilot onboard.

What are Self Help Groups (SHGs)?

1. Self-help groups (SHGs) are small groups of people who come together to help each other out.
2. These groups usually consist of 10 to 20 members who share common interests or face similar challenges.
3. Members meet regularly to discuss and address issues, contributing money to create a common fund.
4. This fund can be used to provide financial help, especially for activities that generate income.

What is the scheme of providing drones to women SHGs all about?

1. This plan brings together different groups and departments to help farmers. It combines the efforts of
   1. Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
   2. Rural Development,
   3. Fertilizer departments
   4. Fertilizer Companies
   5. Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
2. The scheme provides for:
   1. Training of SHG Members: A person from the Women SHGs, who knows about farming and is at least 18 years old, will get special training for 15 days. This training is chosen by the State Rural Livelihood Mission and Fertilizer Companies.
   2. Helping Fertilizer Companies: Fertilizer Companies will connect drone suppliers (companies that provide drones) with SHGs. They will also encourage the use of special fertilizers (such as Nano Urea and Nano DAP) with the help of drones.  

How will this scheme be financed?

1. Government Help: The government will give most of the money (80%) needed to buy the drones, but it won't be more than Rs. 8 Lakh.
2. Additional Funding through AIF: If there's still some money left to pay, farmers can borrow it through the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility (AIF). Also, there's a special provision to reduce the interest rate on the AIF loan by 3%.

Why this scheme is important?

1. Helping Women Earn More: It allows Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to make at least Rs. 1 lakh extra income every year. This is a big deal as it supports financial independence for women in rural areas.
2. Bringing in New Farming Technology: The scheme introduces advanced technology, like drones and special fertilizers, to farming. This makes farming more efficient and helps farmers grow more crops.
3. Growing More Crops: This is good for everyone because it means more food and more income for farmers.
4. Cost Reduction for Farmers: By using technology smartly, the scheme aims to help farmers spend less money on farming. This not only benefits the environment but also helps farmers save money on input costs.

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