Why in news ?
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, headed by Union Minister Piyush Goyal, is promoting the development of a drone ecosystem in India. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘NAMO Drone Didi’ scheme, which aims to empower women in the agricultural sector.
Empowering Women in Agriculture
The ‘NAMO Drone Didi’ scheme seeks to provide women in agriculture with the necessary tools and resources to improve their productivity and efficiency.
Drones will be deployed in villages across the country to assist women in farming activities, such as crop monitoring and fertilizer application.
Benefits of Drone Technology
The use of drones in agriculture is expected to bring about several benefits, including:
- Improved Crop Yields: Drones equipped with advanced sensors and cameras can monitor crop health and detect issues such as pests and diseases, enabling farmers to take corrective action.
- Reduced Wastage: Drones can be used to apply fertilizers and pesticides precisely, reducing wastage and minimizing environmental impact.
- Increased Efficiency: Drones can automate routine tasks, freeing up time for farmers to focus on more critical aspects of farming.
Government Support
The government is committed to supporting the growth of the drone industry in India. The production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and drone components has been introduced to encourage manufacturers to set up production facilities in the country.
Additionally, the government is working to ease regulations and compliance burdens on startups, making it easier for them to operate and innovate in the drone space.