Agriculture drones are becoming popular in India because they save time, reduce labour costs, and help farmers spray fertilizers and pesticides more safely. To encourage more farmers to adopt this modern technology, the Government of India provides several subsidies and support schemes. Understanding these schemes can help farmers choose the right drone and reduce the overall cost of purchase and operation.
1. Subsidy under the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)
The main scheme that supports agriculture drones is the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM). Under this, both individual farmers and groups can receive financial assistance.
For Individual Farmers:
Small and marginal farmers, women farmers, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) farmers can receive a higher subsidy, usually covering up to 50% of the drone cost, subject to the limits announced each year.
Other farmers can receive around 40% subsidy.
For Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs):
CHCs get higher support, sometimes up to 75% of the drone cost, because they provide services to many farmers at an affordable rate.
This helps small farmers who cannot buy a drone themselves but can hire the service.
2. Financial Support for Drone Training
The government also supports training programmes so that farmers can learn how to operate drones safely.
Farmers who want to become drone pilots can attend approved training centres.
Some state governments offer free or subsidized training, while others provide stipends or partial fee reimbursement.
This helps farmers gain confidence and ensures that drones are used properly for spraying, mapping, and monitoring crop health.
3. NABARD Support Through Rural Enterprises
NABARD supports Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs who want to start drone-based services.
Loans with low interest rates
Support for establishing drone service units
Back-end subsidies through different development programmes
This helps rural youth create income opportunities by offering drone spraying services to farmers.
4. State Government Subsidies
Apart from central schemes, many states provide additional incentives for agriculture drones.
For example:
Some states provide extra subsidy for women or youth-led FPOs.
A few states offer special support for horticulture crops, where drone spraying is very effective.
States also run pilot projects to encourage farmers to adopt drone spraying for paddy, cotton, sugarcane, and vegetables.
The amount and rules vary from state to state, so farmers should check their local agriculture department or nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for updates.
5. Subsidy for Research Institutes and Startups
Agriculture universities, ICAR institutes, and startups working on drone technology receive support for adopting and testing drones.
This helps in developing more farmer-friendly solutions and reducing the overall cost of drones in future.
Conclusion
Agriculture drones are quickly becoming an important tool for modern farming in India. With subsidies available under SMAM, state government schemes, NABARD support, and training assistance, farmers can adopt drones without heavy financial burden. Whether a farmer wants to buy a drone individually or hire a service through CHCs or FPOs, government support makes the technology more accessible and affordable.
If farmers stay updated with local notifications and visit their agriculture office or KVK, they can make the best use of these subsidies and improve their farming efficiency.
