Information last reviewed: [Add review date] — schemes can change; confirm with the official source before applying.
Quick answer
Kisan drone subsidy in India has mainly been offered through central and state schemes to specific groups — agricultural institutions, FPOs, cooperatives, Custom Hiring Centres, rural entrepreneurs, women's SHGs and, in some cases, certain categories of farmers. Eligibility, amounts and processes are set by official guidelines and change over time, so confirm with your state agriculture department before buying.
Key takeaways
- Support is usually targeted at groups and entrepreneurs, not every individual farmer.
- Apply first, buy only after written approval (unless guidelines say otherwise).
- Individual farmers can benefit indirectly by hiring drone services from FPOs and CHCs.
- Never pay anyone who promises a “guaranteed subsidy”.
How drone subsidies work in India
Drone support has come mainly through the farm mechanisation programme of the Ministry of Agriculture (opens in a new window) and Farmers Welfare, implemented by state agriculture departments. Guidelines were amended to include agriculture drones, with support for demonstrations by institutions and for purchase by FPOs, Custom Hiring Centres and entrepreneurs. States may also run their own programmes.
Because states implement these schemes, the application window, portal, documents and budget can differ from one state to another — and from one year to the next.
For individual farmers
Direct purchase support
Some guidelines have included support for certain categories of individual farmers. Whether this is available in your state this year, and on what terms, can only be confirmed by your district agriculture office or the official portal.
Indirect benefit through services
For most small and medium farmers, the practical benefit comes from hiring drone services from subsidised FPOs, CHCs and entrepreneurs. Because their purchase cost was supported, they can often offer services at reasonable rates.
Joining or forming a group
If you want to own a drone, joining an FPO or cooperative, or working with a Custom Hiring Centre, may open eligibility that an individual does not have.
How to check your eligibility
- Visit your district agriculture office or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)
- Check your state agriculture department's website and mechanisation portal
- Ask for the current guidelines in writing, including the application dates
- Confirm which beneficiary categories are covered this year
- Ask whether specific models or suppliers are required
Documents commonly requested
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar / identity proof | Identify the applicant |
| Address proof | Confirm location and jurisdiction |
| Land records | Where farmer status must be shown |
| Bank account details | Direct benefit transfer |
| Category certificate | If applying under a reserved category |
| Organisation registration | For FPOs, cooperatives, CHCs |
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying the drone before approval
- Relying on WhatsApp forwards instead of official guidelines
- Paying an agent who promises a guaranteed subsidy
- Submitting documents with mismatched names or details
- Choosing a model that is not eligible under the scheme
Is a subsidy the only reason to buy?
A subsidy lowers the purchase price, but it does not cover batteries, repairs, pilot costs or transport. Before applying, think about how many acres the drone will spray each season and who will fly it. If the numbers do not work without the subsidy, they may not work with it either. In that case, hiring a drone spraying service may be the wiser path.
Subsidy vs hiring a service: a quick comparison
| Point | Buying with subsidy | Hiring a drone service |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront money | Your share of the drone cost | None |
| Paperwork | Application, sanction, claim | None |
| Pilot | You need a certified pilot | Included |
| Running costs | Batteries, repairs, insurance | Included in the service rate |
| Best for | Large areas or a service business | Most small and medium farmers |
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
Can an individual farmer get a drone subsidy?
Some schemes have included certain categories of individual farmers, but much of the support has been for groups and entrepreneurs. Confirm the current position with your state agriculture department.
How much is the kisan drone subsidy?
Amounts and percentages are set in official guidelines and differ by beneficiary type and over time. Check the latest figures with the official source.
Where do I apply for a kisan drone subsidy?
Usually through your state agriculture department's portal or office. Your district agriculture office or KVK can guide you.
Can I get a subsidy after buying the drone?
Usually not. Most schemes require approval before purchase.
Is there a drone subsidy for FPOs?
FPOs have been among the main beneficiary groups under drone support. Check the current guidelines for terms.
How do I avoid drone subsidy fraud?
Only use official portals and offices, never pay agents for approvals and verify every letter with the issuing office.
Can Kisan Drone help me apply?
We can explain general steps and help with drone selection and quotations. Eligibility is decided only by the government department.
Is a drone subsidy available every year?
It depends on budget allocations and state implementation. Application windows open and close, so watch official notices from your state agriculture department.
Do I need land in my name to get a drone subsidy?
For schemes aimed at farmers, land records are often required. Group schemes for FPOs or CHCs may need organisation documents instead. Check the specific guidelines.
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.