The Indian government has released funds worth Rs. 126.99 crores towards promoting the use of Kisan Drones by farmers, according to the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar. The funds will be used to purchase 300 Kisan Drones and organize their demonstrations on farmers’ fields, as well as establish Kisan Drone Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) to provide drone services to farmers. Financial assistance is provided under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) for the purchase of drones by institutes, FPOs, CHCs, and individual farmers. The use of Kisan Drones has the potential to create employment opportunities in rural areas.
Overview
The Indian government has released Rs. 126.99 crore for promoting Kisan Drones adoption among farmers. This includes over 300 drones on subsidy to farmers and 1500 Kisan Drone CHCs. ICAR also received Rs. 52.50 crores for purchasing 300 Kisan Drones and demonstrations in 75000 hectares via 100 KVKs, 75 ICAR institutions, and 25 State Agriculture Universities. Kisan Drones could create jobs in rural areas. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been released for safe and effective use of drones. Financial assistance is provided under SMAM for drone purchases by various institutions engaged in agricultural activities. The government supports FPOs, rural entrepreneurs, and agriculture graduates in establishing CHCs for drone purchase. Small and Marginal, Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe, Women, and North Eastern State farmers receive financial aid for individual drone purchases.
With the funds released towards Kisan Drone promotion, the government is promoting the adoption of Kisan Drones by farmers which has the potential to provide ample opportunities of employment to people in rural areas. Financial assistance is provided for the purchase of drones and subsidies are provided to farmers, FPOs, and agriculture graduates for drone demonstrations and rental services. The Kisan Drones can be used for pesticide and nutrient application and can help farmers improve their crop yields and reduce the time and cost involved in traditional methods of farming. The establishment of Kisan Drone CHCs can provide drone services to the farmers on a rental basis. The use of Kisan Drones can help in reducing the impact of weather uncertainties and climate change on crops and can provide valuable information for precision farming. Overall, the use of Kisan Drones can lead to better farming practices, improved yields, and higher incomes for farmers.
Important points
- The Indian government has released funds worth Rs. 126.99 crores for the promotion of Kisan Drones in the country.
- State governments received funds to supply over 300 Kisan Drones on subsidy and establish 1500+ Kisan Drones CHCs for drone services to farmers.
- Various state governments have also received funds for the supply of more than 300 Kisan Drones to farmers on subsidy and the establishment of more than 1500 Kisan Drone CHCs will offer drone-based services to farmers.
- Kisan Drones have the potential to provide employment opportunities to people in rural areas.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been released to ensure the effective and safe use of drones for pesticide and nutrient application by farmers.
- Financial assistance is provided for drone purchase by institutes, FPOs, and individual farmers. Institutes receive 100% of the cost up to Rs. 10 lakhs per drone.
- FPOs receive grants of up to 75% of the drone cost for demonstrations.
- Small and marginal farmers, SC/ST, women, and North Eastern State farmers receive 50% of the cost up to Rs. 5 lakhs, and other farmers receive 40% up to Rs. 4 lakhs.
Conclusion
The Indian government’s substantial funds for the promotion and purchase of Kisan Drones are aimed at empowering and benefiting farmers, especially those from marginalized sections. Kisan Drones can provide efficient and safe pesticide and nutrient application, reducing manual labor and improving yields. The establishment of Kisan Drone CHCs and the supply of drones on subsidy will enhance the accessibility of drone services in rural areas and provide employment opportunities for local people. These initiatives are a positive step toward the growth and development of the farming community.
Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.
