Information last reviewed: [Add review date] — schemes can change; confirm with the official source before applying.
Quick answer
Agriculture drone support in India has come mainly through the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), which covers demonstrations by institutions and purchases by FPOs, CHCs and entrepreneurs; the Namo Drone Didi initiative for women's self-help groups; and state-level programmes. Amounts, eligibility and processes are set in official guidelines and change, so verify with your state agriculture department.
Key takeaways
- SMAM is the main central channel for drone purchase and demonstration support.
- Namo Drone Didi targets selected women's SHGs.
- States implement schemes and may add their own support.
- Always rely on the latest official guidelines, not old news articles.
1. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
SMAM is a central scheme for promoting farm machinery. Its guidelines were updated to include agriculture drones, with support for demonstrations by ICAR institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and state agricultural universities, and for purchase by FPOs, Custom Hiring Centres and rural entrepreneurs, among others.
Demonstrations
Institutions run field demonstrations so farmers can see drone spraying in practice. Watching a demonstration is often the best first step for a farmer.
Purchase support
Eligible groups and entrepreneurs can apply for financial assistance towards buying drones, typically to provide services to farmers.
2. Initiatives for women's self-help groups
The Namo Drone Didi initiative, approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2023, aims to provide drones to selected women's SHGs so they can offer drone services such as nutrient and pesticide application to farmers. Members are trained as drone pilots and assistants. Selection and implementation are handled by the designated agencies.
3. State schemes
States implement central schemes through their agriculture departments, set application windows and may add their own drone programmes or top-up support. This is why the details you hear from someone in another state may not apply to you.
Who benefits — a summary
| Beneficiary | Main purpose | Where to ask |
|---|---|---|
| ICAR institutes, KVKs, SAUs | Farmer demonstrations | Institution / ministry guidelines |
| FPOs and cooperatives | Services for members | State agriculture department (opens in a new window) |
| Custom Hiring Centres | Renting drones and services | State agriculture department |
| Rural entrepreneurs, agri-graduates | Drone service businesses | State agriculture department |
| Women's SHGs | Drone services via Namo Drone Didi | Implementing agencies |
How farmers benefit even without owning a drone
The biggest impact of these schemes for most farmers is wider access to drone services. When FPOs, CHCs, SHGs and entrepreneurs receive support to buy drones, more certified operators are available in villages, and farmers can hire spraying without investing in a drone themselves.
Ask your FPO, KVK or agriculture office whether a supported drone operator is active in your area.
How to get accurate, current information
- Read the latest guidelines on the official ministry and state portals
- Visit the district agriculture office or KVK
- Note the application window and required documents
- Confirm whether specific models or suppliers are required
- Ignore unofficial claims about “fixed subsidy amounts” without a source
Related support that helps drone adoption
Beyond direct purchase support, several other policies make drones more accessible. The production-linked incentive scheme for drones and drone components encourages manufacturing in India. Liberalised Drone Rules have reduced paperwork. Pilot training through authorised RPTOs has expanded, and an increasing number of pesticides have received approval for drone application.
Some banks and financial institutions also offer loans for farm machinery that may cover drones. Combining scheme support with a loan can make a purchase feasible for FPOs and entrepreneurs, but the repayment plan should be based on realistic service demand.
Questions to ask your agriculture office
- Is drone purchase support open this year, and for which groups?
- What is the application window and portal?
- Are there specific models or suppliers I must use?
- What documents and conditions apply after purchase?
Reading scheme guidelines correctly
Scheme guidelines can be long and technical. Focus on four parts: who is eligible, what is covered (drone only, or accessories and training too), what conditions apply after purchase, and how and when to apply. If any part is unclear, ask the district agriculture office to explain it before you apply.
Official sources
These links open government websites in a new window. Website addresses can change.
- Department of Agriculture & Farmers WelfareGuidelines and notices for central schemes(opens in a new window)
- Farm Mechanisation Portal (agrimachinery.nic.in)Information and applications for farm mechanisation schemes(opens in a new window)
- DGCA Digital SkyDrone registration, Remote Pilot Certificate, RPTOs and airspace map(opens in a new window)
- Ministry of Civil AviationDrone rules and notifications(opens in a new window)
- [Your state agriculture department]Add the official link for the state you serve
Frequently asked questions
Which schemes give subsidy on agriculture drones in India?
Mainly SMAM (farm mechanisation), the Namo Drone Didi initiative for women's SHGs and state-level programmes. Check current guidelines for details.
Is there a central government drone subsidy?
Yes, central support has been provided through the farm mechanisation programme, implemented by states. Terms are in the official guidelines.
What is Namo Drone Didi?
A central initiative to provide drones to selected women's self-help groups so they can offer drone services to farmers.
Do states offer extra drone subsidy?
Some states run their own programmes or add support. Ask your state agriculture department.
Can a rural entrepreneur get drone support?
Entrepreneurs, including agri-graduates, have been among eligible groups for starting drone services. Confirm current eligibility.
How do I verify a drone subsidy claim?
Check the latest guidelines on official portals or with your district agriculture office. Do not rely on forwarded messages.
Where can I see a drone demonstration?
Ask your nearest KVK, agricultural university or district agriculture office about upcoming drone demonstrations.
Is drone subsidy the same in every state?
No. States implement schemes with their own windows, portals and sometimes additional support, so details differ from state to state.
About this guide
- Written by
- Kisan Drone team, Noida. We work with farmers, FPOs and drone operators on spraying, buying and training questions.
- Reviewed by
- Mohit Singh, Drone Operator — 10 years of drone-spraying experience
- Last updated
How we write
We do not publish invented prices, subsidy amounts, yields or reviews. Rules and schemes are checked against official sources, and anything that depends on your crop, product or location is marked as such. Found an error? Email enquiry@kisandrone.co.in.