Page 46 - IMDR Journal 2025

Research Article
1,500 Kisan Drone Community Health Centres (CHCs) The program is coordinated by seven Lead Fertilizer
across the country. These centres will make it easier for Companies (LFCs), who act as state-level implementation
farmers to access drone services and reduce their costs while partners. Their job is to monitor progress, provide on-
improving efficiency. ground support, and ensure that the scheme is properly
rolled out in each region.
To encourage innovation, the Drone Shakti Scheme is also in
place. This initiative supports startups and promotes the use This approach doesn’t just stop at drone ownership. It has a
of drones across different sectors not just agriculture. It’s ripple effect: farming becomes more efficient, crop health
helping position India as a leader in drone tech by funding improves, yields increase, and overall input costs are
research and supporting new businesses that can solve real- reduced. It’s a win-win for both productivity and
world problems. sustainability.
On the policy side, the government has made drone use Another major initiative is the Kisan Drone Scheme –
simpler and more accessible. The introduction of the Drone Akashdoot, which helps farmers purchase drones for a
Rules, 2021 removed many of the older, complicated variety of agricultural needs like
regulations. Now, using and registering drones is a more ● Spraying pesticides and fertilizers
straightforward process.
● Land mapping and crop monitoring
The Digital Sky Platform also plays a big role here. It helps
manage airspace for drones and makes it easier for users to ● Irrigation planning and management
get the necessary approvals and permits online. To make this possible, the scheme offers attractive loan
options, covering up to 85% of the total drone cost. This
To boost local manufacturing and reduce dependency on
imports, the government has also restricted drone imports. includes the cost of accessories, insurance, and annual
This move is helping to grow the homegrown drone maintenance contracts (AMCs). Farmers benefit from:
industry, making India more self-reliant in this space. ● Low interest rates
Another standout initiative is the Namo Drone Didi Yojana, ● A repayment period of up to five years
which focuses on empowering rural women. Through Self- ● A six-month grace period (moratorium) before they need
Help Groups (SHGs) and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) to start paying the loan back
under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY- With a maximum financing limit of ₹10 lakh, this scheme
NRLM), women are being trained and supported to run makes owning a drone much more realistic for both
drone-based businesses. This not only increases their individual farmers and farmer groups.With a maximum
income but also promotes financial independence and financing limit of Rs. 25 lakh per borrower, the scheme
creates jobs in villages bringing both technology and supports individuals, SHGs, proprietorships, partnership
opportunity to the grassroots level. The scheme promotes firms, companies, cooperative societies, and FPCs (Farmer
the use of nano- fertilizers and optimizes pesticide and
fertilizer applications, making agriculture more sustainable. Producer Companies) and FPOs (Farmer Producer
Organizations). Applicants must provide essential
Backed by a Rs. 1,261 crore allocation under the Central documentation, including KYC details, quotations, project
Sector Scheme, 15,000 drones will be provided to women reports, statutory permissions, and collateral security (if
SHGs. Financial assistance includes an 80% subsidy on applicable). This initiative simplifies access to drone
drone packages (up to Rs. 8 lakhs per SHG) and a 3% technology, enabling broader adoption across India’s
interest subvention for loans under the Agri Infra Financing agricultural landscape.
Facility (AIF). To make drone adoption more flexible and The Indian government's proactive measures highlight a
accessible, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Cluster Level strong commitment to integrating drones into agriculture.
Federations (CLFs) can also tap into additional loans from
other schemes under the Ministry of Rural Development or While economic barriers, technical challenges, and
from their own CLF funds. This added financial support regulatory hurdles persist, the combination of financial
gives rural communities more options to invest in drone incentives, policy reforms, and skill development programs
technology without a heavy upfront burden. is shaping a more conducive ecosystem for drone adoption.
Continued efforts in innovation, infrastructure
But access to drones is just one part of the story. Making sure development, and regulatory streamlining will be crucial in
they’re used effectively is just as important. That’s why the ensuring that drone technology reaches its full potential in
Namo Drone Didi Yojana includes a structured training transforming Indian agriculture.
program. Women selected under the scheme receive 15 days
of training, which includes:
● 5 days of drone pilot training RESULTS & DISCUSSION
● 10 days focused on the safe and efficient use of fertilizers The survey results highlight a mixed response towards the
and pesticides adoption of drones in Indian agriculture. While a significant
portion of farmers and agribusinesses have acknowledged
In addition, there’s a 5-day program for Drone Assistants, the potential advantages of drones for precision spraying
who are trained to support drone operations on the ground and agricultural monitoring, adoption remains limited due to
ensuring smooth functioning and wider reach within
economic, technical, and regulatory constraints. The
communities.

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