Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Development of Drone Ecosystem Aligns with PM’s ‘NAMO Drone Didi’ Scheme to Empower Women in Agriculture

Drones to Increase Crop Yields, Reduce Farmers’ Expenses: Shri Goyal

Government’s Primary Focus is to Ease Regulations, Reduce Compliance for Startups: Shri Goyal

PM Modi’s Infrastructure Push to Propel Nation into a Virtuous Cycle of Growth: Shri Goyal

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, addressed the International Innovation Conclave organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) in New Delhi. He emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is committed to promoting the rapidly growing drone industry. Highlighting the technological advancements and innovation in the sector, Shri Goyal stated that the development of the drone ecosystem and its deployment in rural areas align with the PM’s ‘NAMO Drone Didi’ initiative, which aims to empower women in the agriculture sector.

Shri Goyal explained that advancements in drone technology will help farmers combat erratic weather patterns and achieve higher quality and quantity yields. He mentioned that the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for drones and drone components is designed to kickstart the sector and should not be viewed as a permanent subsidy. He expressed confidence that in the third term of PM Modi’s administration, efforts will be tripled to make India the third-largest economy in the world.

The Minister also highlighted the potential of drones to support the cooperative sector, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) by delivering fertilizers and reducing wastage and expenses. He suggested that the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) could be involved in financing and mentoring the drone ecosystem to further promote the sector.

Regarding the startup ecosystem, Shri Goyal noted that 18 Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) have been launched in the first half of 2024, following 17 IPOs in 2023. He credited PM Modi’s leadership for attracting significant foreign investments and driving infrastructure development. Shri Goyal emphasized that easing regulations and reducing compliance burdens on startups, along with enhancing the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), have been key priorities for the government.

He concluded by stating that infrastructure growth has a multiplier effect on the economy, leading to increased demand for goods and services and higher consumption. The PM’s infrastructure initiatives have spurred industrial growth and job creation, placing the nation on a virtuous cycle of growth.

Summary:

• PM Modi’s government is promoting the rapidly growing drone industry.
• The ‘NAMO Drone Didi’ initiative aims to empower women in agriculture.
• Drones will help farmers combat erratic weather and increase crop yields.
• The PLI Scheme for drones is a temporary kickstarter, not a permanent subsidy.
• Drones can support cooperatives, SHGs, and FPOs by reducing costs and wastage.
• SIDBI may be involved in financing and mentoring the drone ecosystem.
• 18 IPOs launched in the first half of 2024, following 17 in 2023.
• Easing regulations and reducing compliance burdens on startups are key government priorities.
• Infrastructure growth has a multiplier effect, boosting demand, consumption, and employment.