A complete guide
for farmers, FPOs, SHGs, and agri-entrepreneurs on accessing government financial support for agricultural drones.
Both the Government of India and State Governments actively support drone adoption in agriculture through multiple schemes. Subsidies range from 40% for individual farmers to 100% for institutions like KVKs and ICAR. This guide explains everything you need to know to apply successfully.
Farming in India is rapidly entering a new era. From precision spraying to crop health monitoring, agricultural drones are becoming practical, everyday farming equipment. For most farmers, a drone is not a small purchase. To make this technology accessible, the Government of India and several State Governments offer subsidies under various schemes.
These subsidies are designed to reduce the upfront cost of drones, encourage precision farming, lower chemical usage, address labour shortages, and improve farm productivity and sustainability.
Both the Government of India and State Governments run active schemes to bring agricultural drones within reach of farmers, cooperatives, and institutions. Click any scheme below to visit the official portal.
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) is the central scheme covering a wide range of farm equipment including agricultural drones. Apply at agrimachinery.nic.in.
NaMo Drone Didi Scheme specifically targets Women Self-Help Groups, providing enhanced subsidies to empower women in agriculture with drone technology. Details at pib.gov.in.
State-Level Schemes vary by state and often offer top-up subsidies beyond the central scheme. Gujarat's i-Khedut portal is one example. Check your state agriculture department website for local schemes.
The government recognises that drones can fundamentally transform modern farming. By lowering cost barriers through subsidies, the aim is to accelerate adoption of precision agriculture across India.
- Spray pesticides and fertilisers accurately, reducing chemical waste
- Reduce water consumption significantly compared to traditional methods
- Save time and address growing rural labour shortages
- Improve crop health and overall farm productivity
- Reduce farmers' direct exposure to hazardous agrochemicals
You may be eligible if you belong to any of the following groups: individual farmers, small and marginal farmers, women farmers, Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) or agri-entrepreneurs, and institutions such as Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR institutes, and state agricultural universities.
Select your category to see your estimated subsidy benefit.
Subsidy may be structured in two ways depending on the scheme you apply under.
Percentage-Based Subsidy
A fixed percentage of the drone cost is reimbursed. Example: 50% of the drone cost, subject to a maximum of Rs. 5 lakh.
Maximum Cap-Based Subsidy
Subsidy is limited to a fixed rupee amount, regardless of the percentage. Caps apply irrespective of the drone price.
Typical subsidy ranges by applicant category:
- Individual farmers: 40 to 50%, up to Rs. 4 to 5 lakh
- FPOs, cooperatives, Women SHGs: up to 75 to 80%, up to Rs. 7.5 to 10 lakh
- KVKs, ICAR institutes, state agricultural universities: up to 100%
Some schemes also support per-acre spraying subsidies and service-based support, meaning you may receive financial support even if you do not own a drone.
Many applicants do not realise this difference. Understanding it early helps you apply under the correct scheme.
Subsidy for Buying a Drone
You purchase a drone and receive a subsidy reimbursement directly into your bank account after approval and invoice submission.
Support Through CHC or Institutional Programs
Drones are used through Custom Hiring Centres or government programmes. The subsidy goes to the service provider, not directly to the farmer.
Before applying, confirm you have all five of the following. If any are missing, arrange them first to avoid delays or rejection.
- Aadhaar card
- Active bank account
- Land ownership document or lease agreement
- Category proof (SHG / FPO / cooperative, if applicable)
- Quotation from a DGCA-approved drone manufacturer
Most portals ask for the following documents. Have scanned digital copies ready before you begin to avoid having to restart the application.
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Land ownership record or lease certificate
- Bank passbook or cancelled cheque
- Quotation from a DGCA-approved drone manufacturer
- Passport-size photograph
- Organisation registration certificate (for FPO / SHG / cooperative)
Visit agrimachinery.nic.in for the central portal, or your state agriculture portal such as ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in for Gujarat.
Choose your category: Farmer, FPO / SHG, Institution, or CHC / Entrepreneur. Enter your Aadhaar, mobile number, and basic details.
Attach all required documents and the official quotation from a DGCA-approved drone manufacturer.
After submission, note your application ID carefully for tracking and future reference.
The District Agriculture Officer verifies your documents, land details, and eligibility.
You receive an SMS or portal notification confirming your approval. Wait for this before taking any further action.
Proceed only after approval. Purchasing before approval will disqualify you from the subsidy.
Upload the purchase invoice or service bill to the portal within the specified timeframe.
Subsidy is credited directly to your bank account via DBT or PFMS. Allow 2 to 6 weeks for approval and 2 to 4 weeks post-invoice for payment.
Avoiding these five mistakes greatly improves your chances of a successful application.
Many banks and schemes support loans for agriculture drones, including the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and standard bank agriculture equipment loans. The subsidy reduces your upfront cost, and a loan can cover the remaining amount, making drone ownership financially accessible even for smaller farmers and entrepreneurs.
Your Partner Through Every Step of the Subsidy Journey
- DGCA-approved Bumblebee drone, eligible for government subsidies
- Official quotations to support your subsidy application
- Guidance on documentation and eligibility criteria
- Training and after-sales support across India
