New drone scheme for 15,000 women self help groups

The Cabinet has approved a Rs 1,261 crore scheme to provide drones to 15,000 women's Self Help Groups (SHGs), which will be trained to give it on rent for spraying pesticides and fertilisers. The Lakhpati Didi Scheme, announced by PM Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech, will involve drones that cost Rs 10 lakh each, with the Centre bearing 80% of the cost and the remaining amount coming from a subsidy scheme. The lead fertiliser companies (LFCs) will act as a bridge between drone supplier companies and SHGs.