Kisan Drone Subsidy, Government Schemes and Drone Pilot Training in India
Government support and proper training are the two foundations of drone adoption in Indian agriculture. Schemes have helped FPOs, CHCs, entrepreneurs and women's SHGs buy drones, and certified training makes sure drones are flown safely. This hub explains both — and how to get accurate, current information.
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Quick answer
Agriculture drone support in India comes mainly through the farm mechanisation programme (SMAM), the Namo Drone Didi initiative for women's SHGs and state schemes. Eligibility and amounts are set by official guidelines and change over time. To fly an agriculture drone commercially, a pilot needs a Remote Pilot Certificate from a DGCA-authorised RPTO; candidates generally need to be 18+ and class 10 pass.
Key takeaways
- Subsidy rules change — always verify with official sources.
- Apply first; buy only after written approval.
- Training at an authorised RPTO is a legal requirement for pilots.
- Agriculture spraying skills make a pilot job-ready.
Pages in this topic
- Kisan Drone SubsidyWhat you should know about drone subsidies as an individual farmer.
- Agriculture Drone Subsidy in IndiaAn overall picture of drone support at central and state level.
- Government Subsidy for Farming DronesThe application process and a document checklist.
- Kisan Drone SchemeBackground to the “Kisan Drone” initiative in India.
- Agriculture Drone TrainingWhat agriculture drone training covers and who it is for.
- Drone Pilot Training for AgricultureInformation on the Remote Pilot Certificate and RPTO training.
- Drone Didi SchemeThe drone initiative for women's self-help groups.
- How to Become a Drone PilotA step-by-step path to becoming an agricultural drone pilot.
Important notice
Government schemes for agriculture drones
Farm mechanisation support (SMAM)
Guidelines were updated to support agriculture drones — demonstrations by institutions, and purchases by FPOs, Custom Hiring Centres, entrepreneurs and other eligible groups.
Namo Drone Didi
Approved in November 2023, this initiative provides drones to selected women's self-help groups so they can offer spraying services to farmers.
State programmes
States implement central schemes and may add their own support. Application windows and portals differ by state.
How to check eligibility and apply
- Read the latest guidelines on official portals
- Visit your district agriculture office or KVK
- Apply during the official window with complete documents
- Wait for written sanction before buying
- Buy an eligible model and submit the claim
Why is training necessary?
Safe flying, correct calibration, drift control and safe handling of chemicals all come from training. In India, flying an agriculture drone commercially requires training at a DGCA-authorised Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) and a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Beyond the certificate, agriculture-specific skills — mission planning, nozzle and droplet settings, the spraying SOP and maintenance — separate a good pilot from an average one.
Training pathways
| You are… | Suggested path |
|---|---|
| Farm youth | RPC course + agriculture spraying module |
| FPO / CHC staff | Group training for pilots and helpers |
| SHG members (Drone Didi) | Training arranged through the initiative |
| Entrepreneur | RPC + spraying + business planning |
Avoiding scheme and training fraud
- Never pay anyone who promises a guaranteed subsidy
- Use only official portals and offices
- Check RPTO authorisation on DGCA Digital Sky before paying fees
- Verify any sanction letter with the issuing office
Pages in this section
- Kisan drone subsidy — what individual farmers should know
- Agriculture drone subsidy in India — central and state overview
- Government subsidy application process — documents and steps
- Kisan Drone scheme — background and current status
- Namo Drone Didi — drones for women's SHGs
- Agriculture drone training and drone pilot training — RPC and RPTOs
- How to become an agricultural drone pilot — step by step
Combining training with scheme support
For entrepreneurs and FPOs, training and scheme support often go together. A certified pilot on the team strengthens your plan to run a drone service, and some schemes look at how the drone will be operated. Plan both in parallel: identify who will train, check RPTO options, and track the scheme application window in your state.
Once you have a certified pilot and a drone, start with group bookings in nearby villages to build experience and reputation before expanding.
Questions people often ask us
Farmers frequently ask whether every farmer gets a free drone, whether a fixed subsidy percentage applies everywhere and whether anyone can fly a drone after a short video course. The honest answers are no, no and no. Support is targeted and conditional, amounts are set by current guidelines, and pilots need certified training. We would rather give you accurate expectations than false hope.
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 you get me a subsidy?
No. Subsidies are given by the relevant government department. We can help with general scheme information, quotes and product-related documents.
Do you provide DGCA-authorised training?
[Fill only when verified: RPTO authorisation or training partner name.] For now, call us for training information.
Where can I find accurate drone subsidy information?
From your district agriculture office, KVK, your state agriculture department website or official portals such as agrimachinery.nic.in.
What qualifications do I need to become a drone pilot?
Under the Drone Rules, 2021, generally a minimum age of 18 and class 10 pass, plus training from a DGCA-authorised RPTO.
What is the Drone Didi scheme?
Namo Drone Didi is a central initiative to give agriculture drones to selected women's self-help groups so they can provide drone services to farmers.
Is there a drone subsidy for individual farmers?
Some guidelines have included certain categories of farmers, but much support targets groups. Confirm with your state agriculture department.
How do I find an authorised RPTO?
Check the list of authorised RPTOs on DGCA's Digital Sky platform.
Can I get training and subsidy together?
They are separate processes. Training happens at an authorised RPTO; subsidy is applied for through official channels. Planning both together helps entrepreneurs and FPOs start faster.
How often is this information updated?
We review scheme pages periodically and show the last review date at the top. Always confirm current details with official sources before acting.
Is drone training useful even if I don't buy a drone?
Yes. Certified pilots can work for service providers, FPOs, CHCs and agri-businesses that own drones.
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.
Sources we rely on
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