Agricultural Drones in India: Benefits, Challenges, Schemes
Why in the news
Drone firm Salam Kisan (PRYM Solutions), with Microsoft as technology partner, signed an MoU with the Maharashtra government to make agricultural drones widely accessible.
Key facts
- India’s agri drone market is at an early stage but has strong growth potential.
- Under the Namo Drone Didi scheme, IFFCO supplied 100 drones in Punjab; 93 are already working.
- Each drone costs ₹16 lakh and has a 12-litre tank.
Benefits
| Area | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Health | Keeps farmers away from pesticides linked to cancer and kidney problems |
| Speed | 57 minutes per acre versus hours by hand |
| Yield and data | Uniform application; data flags fields needing attention |
| Nano fertiliser | Spreads small quantities evenly; absorption up to 90% |
| Pest control | Timely spraying against pink bollworm, locusts and whiteflies |
| Environment | Less runoff; water savings up to 90%; seed-ball sowing for reforestation |
| Cost | Less labour and pesticide use |
Challenges
- Fewer manual spraying jobs.
- Farmers often lack training.
- High upfront cost hurts small farmers.
- Regulatory hurdles may slow adoption.
Government initiatives
- Digital India campaign builds digital infrastructure and farmer skills.
- ICAR researches precision agriculture.
- PLI scheme: Rs 120 crore to promote domestic drone production and cut imports.
- SMAM: financial help for buying drones, with focus on women Self Help Groups.
- Training and support to overcome barriers.
Way forward
- Farmers and policymakers should jointly tackle cost, training and regulation.
Exam angle
- Scheme: Namo Drone Didi; implementing agency in Punjab: IFFCO.
- Drone price: ₹16 lakh; tank: 12 litres.
- Related terms: SMAM, PLI, ICAR, nano fertiliser.