I-Day speech: PM Modi announces agri-drones for women self-help groups

The govt is set to launch a scheme to make available agri-drones to thousands of women-led self-help groups (SHGs), PM Modi announced during his I-Day speech on Tuesday.

This is part of new plan to raise the use of technology in the agriculture sector and promote agritech in the country.

As per the plan, the recipients will also be given training to fly and repair the unmanned aerial vehicles. "We will train women in SHGs to fly drones and also repair drones. The Government of India will provide drones to thousands of Women SHGs," the Prime Minister said.


In the beginning, the scheme cover 15,000 women self-help groups.

It may be noted here that about 10 crore women are associated with SHGs in India.

India is focusing on women-led development, Modi said. The one thing that will take the country forward is women-led development, he said.

He highlighted the achievements made by women in various fields, including aviation.

Modi also pointed out that women scientists are leading the Chandrayaan mission.

The G20 countries are also recognising the importance of women-led development in India, the Prime Minister added.

In his speech, the PM referred to the works being done by women SHGs in rural parts of the country. Modi said his dream is to see that two crore women become "lakhpati". His government is seeking to introduce measures to achieve the goal, he added.