Initiative: Kisan Drone Initiative (Agricultural Drones under SMAM)
🌾 About
The Kisan Drone Initiative accelerates precision agriculture by subsidising DGCA-approved agri-drones for spraying, crop monitoring, mapping and advisory, delivered via farmers, FPOs and Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM). Key support slabs currently notified include:
- 50% (up to ₹5 lakh) for small/marginal, SC/ST and women farmers;
- 40% (up to ₹4 lakh) for other farmers and CHCs;
- Up to 100% for demonstrations by ICAR/KVKs; up to 75% for FPO demos;
- Namo Drone Didi: 80% (up to ₹8 lakh) for women SHGs to become drone service providers.
Key Facts Table
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2022 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare |
| Implementing Body | DA&FW under SMAM |
| Drone Regulation | DGCA under Drone Rules 2021 |
| Beneficiaries | Farmers, FPOs, CHCs, SHGs |
| Coverage | All States & UTs |
| Helpline | 1800-180-1551 |
| Training Requirement | Remote Pilot Certificate (DGCA RPTO) |
Beneficiaries
Farmers (esp. small/marginal, women, SC/ST), FPOs, CHCs/rural entrepreneurs, ICAR/KVK/SAUs, and SHGs under Drone Didi.
How It Works
- Apply on the Agri-Mechanisation DBT portal → verify eligibility → get approval;
- Procure DGCA-approved agri-drone from empanelled maker;
- Train & certify operator at a DGCA RPTO (Remote Pilot Training Organisation);
- Operate directly or via CHC rental model; report usage as per state/centre guidelines.
Services Provided
- Aerial ULV spraying of pesticides/fertilisers/fungicides
- Crop health/NDVI monitoring & mapping
- Soil/field surveys; seed & micronutrient application
- Rental services through CHCs/FPOs; demo camps via KVKs/SAUs.
Related Initiatives
SMAM, Namo Drone Didi, Digital Agriculture Mission (DAM), KCC (1800-180-1551), e-NAM, DGCA Drone Rules/Digital Sky.
Contact Details (National + Tech)
| Office / Purpose | How to reach |
| Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) | Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. Phone: 011-23389340 / 011-23385093 (directory lines). Site: agriwelfare.gov.in. iGOD+1 |
| DA&FW – Agri-Mechanisation / SMAM (DBT) | agrimachinery.nic.in → farmer/CHC registration, status & subsidy workflow. agrimachinery.nic.in+1 |
| Kisan Call Centre (general agri help) | 1800-180-1551 (nationwide toll-free, 24×7). dackkms.gov.in+1 |
| DGCA – Digital Sky (drone rules, flight permissions) | digitalsky.dgca.gov.in • Toll-free: 1800-121-9142 / 1800-103-5780 • Email: support.digitalsky@dgca.gov.in |
| Training (RPTO list) | DGCA RPTO directory (approved drone pilot schools). |
Feedback & Grievances
- First stop: District/State Agriculture Office (Mechanisation Wing) noted in your sanction/approval.
- Kisan Call Centre: 1800-180-1551 (register a ticket and request escalation).
- Portal issues (DBT/SMAM): raise via agrimachinery.nic.in help section.
- Drone rules/airspace permissions: Digital Sky helpdesk (numbers/email above).
Who’s Who
| Designation | Name / Institution | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Overall leadership and policy direction |
| Minister of State (Agriculture) | Shri Ramnath Thakur, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary | Assistance in implementation and state-level review |
| Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) | Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, IAS | Administrative head of the Drone and Mechanization Mission |
| Director (Mechanization & Technology Division, MoA&FW) | Dr. Gyanendra Mani Tripathi | Nodal officer for SMAM and Kisan Drone operations |
| Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) | Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, IAS | Oversight of Drone Rules 2021 and Digital Sky Platform |
| Director General, ICAR | Dr. Himanshu Pathak | Supervision of drone demonstration projects and research |
| Managing Director, Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) | Smt. N. Vijaya Lakshmi, IAS | Support for FPO-based drone implementation |
| Chairperson, NABARD | Dr. G.R. Chintala | Financial facilitation and drone-based credit support |
| Joint Secretary (Digital Agriculture) | Dr. Harsh Kumar Bhanwala | Integration of drone data with Digital Agriculture Mission |
| DGCA Drone Training Partners (RPTOs) | e.g. DroneAcharya, IG Drones, Garuda Aerospace | Certified pilot training providers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1) How much subsidy can I get?
- 50% subsidy (max ₹5 lakh) for SC/ST, small/marginal, and women farmers
- 40% subsidy (max ₹4 lakh) for other farmers and CHCs
- 75% subsidy for FPO demonstrations
- 100% subsidy (max ₹10 lakh) for ICAR/KVK demonstrations
- 80% subsidy (max ₹8 lakh) for women SHGs under Namo Drone Didi
- 2️⃣ Who is eligible?
- Individual farmers, FPOs, CHCs, SHGs, and registered institutions.
- 3️⃣ How to apply?
- Apply via the Agri Mechanization DBT portal https://agrimachinery.nic.in or through your State Agriculture Department.
- 4️⃣ Is pilot training mandatory?
- Yes. Drone operators must hold a DGCA Remote Pilot Certificate from an approved RPTO.
- 5️⃣ What drones are eligible?
- Only DGCA-approved agricultural drones listed on the Digital Sky platform.
- 6️⃣ Can drones be shared or rented?
- Yes. CHCs and FPOs can rent drones to other farmers on a per-acre service model.
- 7️⃣ What are common applications?
- Spraying fertilizers, pesticides, seeding, mapping, and crop insurance data collection.
- 8️⃣ Is there support for women operators?
- Yes. The Namo Drone Didi scheme provides training and up to 80% subsidy to SHGs.
- 9️⃣ Are there safety rules?
- Operators must follow Drone Rules, 2021 and obtain flight permissions through Digital Sky.
- 🔟 Where to seek help?
- Call the Kisan Helpline (1800-180-1551) or email drones-mech@agricoop.gov.in