New Delhi: In a landmark step toward deepening digital integration in Indian agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (Mechanization & Technology Division) organized a national-level workshop in New Delhi to showcase the Centralized Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Platform Version 2.0 and the NaMo Drone Didi Yojana. The workshop brought together senior government officials, state-level nodal officers, and private stakeholders to deliberate on the future of agricultural reforms driven by technology.
Inauguration and Key Leadership
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (DA&FW). He was joined by Dr. Pramod Kumar Meherda, Additional Secretary, and Smt. S. Rukmani, Joint Secretary (Mechanization & Technology). Delegates included representatives from state agriculture departments, central ministries, and lead fertilizer companies.
SOPs Launched for Drone Use in Agriculture
To ensure standardized and scientific drone usage across India, the Secretary released crop-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the application of various nutrients using drones. These SOPs will serve as technical blueprints for drone operators, SHGs, and agricultural extension workers to ensure safe, effective, and targeted spraying of fertilizers and micronutrients.
DBT 2.0: A Game-Changer for Agricultural Subsidy Delivery
Unveiling the upgraded DBT Portal Version 2.0, Dr. Chaturvedi emphasized that the platform is designed to resolve major challenges such as:
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Subsidy delays
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Manual processing errors
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Lack of real-time monitoring
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Limited access for small farmers
The new system promises a robust, transparent, and efficient digital framework, giving farmers direct access to equipment and subsidies under schemes like the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM).
The upgraded platform also introduces:
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End-to-end digital workflows
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Automated subsidy calculations
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Real-time tracking and dashboards for both central and state governments
NaMo Drone Didi Yojana: Empowering Women, Modernizing Farms
A major highlight of the event was the rollout of the Drone Didi Portal under the NaMo Drone Didi Yojana, a flagship scheme to train and empower women Self-Help Group (SHG) members as certified drone operators. These women will provide essential services like:
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Spraying fertilizers and pesticides
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Precision agriculture
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Crop health monitoring
The Drone Didi Portal includes:
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State-wise drone mapping
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Pilot training registration and tracking
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Certification and licensing management
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Comprehensive dashboards for all stakeholders
This initiative, in addition to advancing women’s economic empowerment, ensures that technology reaches the grassroots level of Indian agriculture.
Live Demonstrations and Participatory Discussions
Live portal demonstrations enabled stakeholders to understand technical functionalities, while state nodal officers provided ground-level feedback on subsidy schemes, implementation gaps, and the training ecosystem for drone operations. The participatory format enabled fruitful dialogues on:
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Best practices from states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka
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Operational bottlenecks in mechanization uptake
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Suggestions for further portal enhancements
Driving Agricultural Transformation Through Technology
Dr. Chaturvedi underscored the critical role of digital platforms in agricultural governance. “By adopting transparent digital systems, we are not only speeding up service delivery but also ensuring that every farmer gets a fair and equal opportunity to grow,” he said.
He further noted the importance of mechanization in small and marginal farm holdings, and called on state governments to promote tech-based entrepreneurship among rural youth and women through these initiatives.
Closing Note
The workshop concluded with a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to digital agriculture, inclusive technology adoption, and farmer-centric delivery systems. As India moves toward becoming an agricultural powerhouse, platforms like DBT 2.0 and Drone Didi will serve as crucial engines of reform.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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