The Indian government’s drone subsidy programmes have made agricultural drones significantly more accessible for farmers, FPOs, and agri-tech startups. With subsidies covering up to 100% of the cost for certain categories, 2026 is an excellent time to invest in agricultural drone technology. This guide covers all current subsidy schemes, eligibility criteria, and the application process.
Table of Contents
- Agricultural Drone Subsidies Overview
- Central Government Schemes
- State-Level Subsidies
- Eligibility Criteria
- Application Process
- Drone Specifications for Subsidy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Agricultural Drone Subsidies Overview
The Government of India has been actively promoting drone technology in agriculture through multiple schemes. The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and various state-level programmes provide financial support for purchasing agricultural drones. These subsidies aim to modernise Indian farming practices, improve crop yields, and reduce chemical usage through precision spraying.
Central Government Schemes
SMAM (Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization)
Under SMAM, the central government provides subsidies for agricultural drones:
- FPOs/Farmer Groups: Up to 75% subsidy on drone cost
- Agricultural Graduates: Up to 50% subsidy for setting up custom hiring centres
- ICAR Institutes: 100% grant for research and demonstration purposes
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): 100% grant for demonstration and training
- State Agriculture Universities: 100% grant for training purposes
PM-KISAN Drone Initiative
The PM-KISAN scheme has been extended to include drone procurement support for small and marginal farmers through FPOs. Key details:
- FPOs receive up to 75% subsidy (maximum ₹3.75 lakh per drone)
- SC/ST and small/marginal farmers get priority allocation
- Drone must be DGCA-compliant and type-certified
- Operator must have a valid Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC)
State-Level Subsidies
Many Indian states offer additional subsidies on top of central schemes:
- Maharashtra: Additional 25% state subsidy, making total subsidy up to 100% for FPOs
- Karnataka: Subsidy through KSDA (Karnataka State Department of Agriculture) for custom hiring centres
- Tamil Nadu: Drone procurement under the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University programme
- Rajasthan: Additional subsidy for desert and arid region farmers
- Andhra Pradesh: Support through Rythu Bharosa centres for FPO drone purchases
- Madhya Pradesh: State-level subsidy programme for progressive farmers
Check with your district agriculture office for the latest state-specific subsidy details, as schemes are updated periodically.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for agricultural drone subsidies, you need:
- Entity type: FPO, cooperative society, agricultural graduate, KVK, or state agriculture university
- Land ownership: Documented agricultural land or tie-up with farmer groups
- Pilot certification: At least one operator with DGCA Remote Pilot Certificate
- Drone compliance: The drone must have DGCA type certification and UIN
- Training: Proof of completion of an approved drone pilot training programme
- Insurance: Valid third-party liability insurance for the drone
Application Process
- Register on DBT portal: Visit the Direct Benefit Transfer portal for agriculture and register your entity
- Select the scheme: Choose SMAM or the relevant state scheme
- Submit documents: Upload FPO registration, land records, pilot certificates, and drone specifications
- Get quotation: Obtain a quotation from a DGCA-approved drone manufacturer
- Apply online: Complete the application with all supporting documents
- Inspection: A district agriculture officer may inspect your facility or operation
- Approval and disbursement: Upon approval, the subsidy is disbursed directly to the manufacturer or as reimbursement
Drone Specifications for Subsidy
Subsidy-eligible agricultural drones must meet these specifications:
- Category: Small or Medium (2-25kg or 25-150kg MTOW)
- Tank capacity: Minimum 5 litres for spraying operations
- Spraying rate: Adjustable flow rate with GPS-based area tracking
- Flight time: Minimum 10 minutes at full payload
- Safety features: RTH (Return to Home), geofencing, and low battery warning
- Compliance: DGCA type certificate, No Permission No Take-off (NPNT) compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can individual farmers get drone subsidies?
Individual farmers typically cannot directly access drone subsidies. However, farmers can benefit through FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations) or by hiring drone services from subsidised custom hiring centres.
How much does a subsidised agricultural drone cost?
An agricultural drone typically costs ₹5-10 lakh. With 75% subsidy through SMAM, the effective cost for an FPO is ₹1.25-2.5 lakh. Some state combinations bring the cost even lower.
Do I need a pilot licence to get the subsidy?
Yes, at least one person in the applying entity must have a valid DGCA Remote Pilot Certificate. Several DGCA-approved training centres across India offer the course for ₹25,000-50,000.
Can I build my own drone and get a subsidy?
Generally, subsidies require purchasing from approved manufacturers with DGCA type certification. DIY builds are not eligible unless they obtain type certification, which is a complex process.
Conclusion
Government drone subsidies have made agricultural drone technology financially viable for Indian farming communities. Whether you are an FPO, agricultural graduate, or agri-tech entrepreneur, understanding and leveraging these subsidies can significantly reduce your investment. Start by forming or joining an FPO, getting pilot certification, and applying through the DBT agriculture portal.
Explore our agricultural drone frames and components to plan your subsidy-eligible drone build.
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