New Delhi:

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal addressed the International Innovation Conclave organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) in New Delhi, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering the rapidly growing drone industry. Goyal highlighted that the technological advancements in drones align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘NAMO Drone Didi’ initiative, aimed at empowering women in the agriculture sector by deploying drones in villages across India.

Goyal underscored the potential of drones to mitigate the impact of erratic weather patterns and enhance agricultural yields. He noted that the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for drones and drone components is pivotal in catalyzing sectoral growth, emphasizing it should not be viewed as a permanent subsidy but as a catalyst for progress.

The Minister outlined plans for the drone ecosystem to support cooperative sectors, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) through shared facilities funded by agri-infra funds, facilitating efficient delivery of fertilizers and reducing farmers’ expenses.

Discussing the broader economic landscape, Goyal highlighted the surge in IPOs in recent years, underscoring the robust startup ecosystem under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He credited the government’s efforts in attracting significant foreign investments and boosting infrastructure development, which he believes has stimulated industry growth, increased employment opportunities, and spurred economic consumption.

Goyal concluded by emphasizing that the government’s infrastructure initiatives have had a multiplier effect on the economy, creating demand for goods and services and enhancing the overall business environment through streamlined regulations and improved Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) measures.