NAMO Drone Didi Initiative

12 Dec NAMO Drone Didi Initiative

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ NAMO Drone Didi Initiative”. This topic has relevance in the Economy section of the UPSC CSE exam.

GS 3: Economy

Why in the news?

Recently, the Prime Minister has announced NAMO Drone Didi Initiative

Background:

The cornerstone of constructing a robust and advanced nation lies in the empowerment of women, particularly when they thrive economically and actively contribute to the prosperity of rural areas. A notable example of such an initiative is the recent announcement by the Prime Minister, known as the NAMO Drone Didi, disclosed during an engagement with recipients of central government schemes.

Introduction:

The NAMO Drone Didi Initiative is a groundbreaking effort to revitalize farming practices and uplift rural women in India. By providing drones to 15,000 women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs), the initiative seeks to revolutionize agriculture and empower women as key players in the rural economy.

Key Features:

• Empowering Rural Women with Drone Technology:

• • • Extending drone access to 15,000 women SHGs for farmers’ rental, fostering technological integration into rural life.
    • Elevating rural women by placing them at the forefront of the economy through cutting-edge drone technology.

• Pioneers of Agricultural Revolution:

• • • Cultivating a new agricultural revolution led by women drone pilots.
    • Generating employment opportunities as drone pilots, mechanics, and spare-part dealers, reinforcing the economic backbone of rural communities.

• Opportunities for Start-ups:

• • • Paving the way for dynamic start-ups in drone aeronautics.
    • Unleashing untapped potential in the emerging sector, contributing to economic growth and innovation.

• Effective Fertigation System:

• • • Harnessing drones as efficient fertigation systems for innovative liquid fertilizers.
    • Addressing challenges in traditional fertilization methods, fostering equity in agrarian family culture.

• Time and Labor Savings:

• • Application of pesticides and fertilizers through drones streamlining processes, reducing physical toil.
  • Granting farmers more time for productive agricultural work.

India’s Fertiliser Challenges:

• Import Dependency:

• • Despite being a significant fertiliser producer, India grapples with import challenges due to resource inadequacies.
  • The pandemic and geopolitical situations add complexity to the sector.

Overcoming Challenges:

• Revival and Setting up New Plants:

• • • Government initiatives under the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme successfully revive dormant fertiliser units.
    • Establishment of new units reduces import dependence and shields farmers from price volatility.

• Fertiliser Subsidies:

• • • Government subsidies ensure timely and affordable access to fertilisers for farmers.

• Efficient Fertigation System Development:

• • Indigenous research yields liquid nano fertilizers.
  • Integration of drone technology addresses the challenge of developing an efficient fertigation system.

Role of Kisan Drones:

• Efficient Fertigation System:

• • Kisan Drones automate spraying systems, introducing a time-saving and efficient application method.
  • Overcoming challenges associated with conventional spraying methods.

Future Prospect of NAMO Drone Didi Initiative:

• Gamechanger for Women’s Empowerment:
  • Poised to be a transformative force, propelling women’s empowerment and rural prosperity.
  • Anticipated to spearhead a modern agricultural revolution with the support of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Samriddhi Kendras.

Conclusion:

The NAMO Drone Didi Scheme not only revolutionizes agriculture but also uplifts women, establishing them as the backbone of the rural economy. It signifies a critical stride towards achieving Viksit Bharat or a developed India.

SOURCE: Why rural India needs women drone pilots | The Indian Express

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 12th Dec

Q.1 With reference to the NAMO Drone Didi Initiative, consider the following statements:

1. The initiative aims to provide drones to 15,000 women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) to revolutionize agriculture and empower rural women.
2. The initiative focuses on the development of drone technology for efficient fertigation systems, addressing challenges in traditional fertilization methods.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: C

Q.2 Discuss the potential impact of integrating drone technology in agriculture, with a specific emphasis on the NAMO Drone Didi Initiative in India.