Government Subsidies for Agri Drones in India (2025 Update)

Agri drones are no longer a futuristic concept—they’re a ground reality in India’s farmlands today. From spraying fertilizers with precision to generating aerial maps of crop health, drones are helping farmers reduce costs, save time, and increase yield. But the big question most farmers and agribusinesses have is: how affordable are these drones?

Thanks to the Indian government's proactive push in 2025, the answer is simple—they're more accessible than ever. Government subsidies are covering a substantial portion of the cost, making it possible for even small and marginal farmers to adopt this game-changing technology.

This article walks you through the major government subsidy schemes for agri drones in 2025, eligibility criteria, documents needed, how to apply, and practical tips to avoid common mistakes.

Why Agri Drones are Essential in 2025

The growing demand for food, increasing labor shortages in agriculture, and the need to adopt more sustainable farming practices have created a fertile ground for drone adoption.

Agri drones can:

• Spray fertilizers, pesticides, and micronutrients with precision

• Monitor crops remotely and detect early signs of pests and diseases

• Create accurate field maps for better irrigation planning and sowing

• Reduce manual labor and minimize chemical wastage

In many pilot projects, drone usage has shown a 20 to 30 percent increase in crop yield and up to 50 percent savings on chemical inputs.

Recognizing this potential, the Indian government has rolled out targeted subsidy programs that significantly reduce the cost of owning or renting agri drones.

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Key Government Subsidy Schemes for Agri Drones (2025 Update)

1. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)

The SMAM scheme remains the backbone of agri drone subsidies in India. It supports farmers and agricultural institutions in purchasing drones for agricultural operations.

Who is Eligible?

• Individual farmers (especially those belonging to SC/ST categories, small and marginal farmers, and women)

• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

• Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs)

• Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

• Agricultural universities and KVKs

Subsidy Breakdown by Beneficiary Type:

• SC/ST Farmers, Small and Marginal Farmers, and Women Farmers
  

• Eligible for a 50% subsidy
  

• Maximum subsidy amount: Up to ₹5 lakhs
  

• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Agricultural Cooperatives
  

• Eligible for a 75% subsidy
  

• Maximum subsidy amount: Up to ₹7.5 lakhs
  

• Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs)
  

• Eligible for a 40% to 50% subsidy
  

• Maximum subsidy amount: Up to ₹10 lakhs

Documents Required

• Aadhaar Card

• PAN Card

• Landholding certificate or lease record

• Bank account details

• Quotation from DGCA-approved drone manufacturer
  
  

Application Process

1. Register on the official portal at agrimachinery.nic.in
   
   

2. Select the relevant beneficiary type and upload required documents
   
   

3. Submit your subsidy application along with a drone quotation
   
   

4. Await verification and approval from the District Agriculture Officer
   
   

Note: Drones must be purchased from empaneled manufacturers listed on the portal. Avoid buying from unlisted vendors.

2. Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and NABARD Support

This scheme is ideal for those planning to start drone service businesses or Custom Hiring Centers offering drone spraying services to farmers.

What’s Covered?

• Interest subvention of up to 3 percent on loans

• Credit guarantee for loans up to ₹2 crore

• Capital support for infrastructure development such as drone garages, maintenance hubs, and control stations

Eligible Applicants

• Agri-tech startups

• Entrepreneurs

• Drone operators and service providers

• Farmer cooperatives and societies
  
  

Application Process

1. Visit your nearest NABARD branch or apply via the AIF digital portal
   

2. Submit a detailed project proposal and financial plan
   

3. Work with empaneled consultants or FPOs for smoother processing
   

4. Use sanctioned funds to buy drones, set up infrastructure, or train operators
   

This scheme encourages the creation of local drone service hubs to support small farmers who cannot afford drone ownership.

3. CHC Drone Rental Model

For farmers who cannot or do not want to purchase drones outright, Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) offer drone rental services. The government subsidizes CHCs to help make drone spraying affordable and accessible at the grassroots level.

Features

• CHCs receive subsidies up to 80 percent for drone purchases

• Drones are rented to local farmers at low costs, typically ₹150 to ₹300 per acre

• Available across rural blocks through government or FPO-run CHCs
  
  

How to Access

• Locate your nearest CHC via the Agriculture Department or KVK

• Book drone services for pesticide/fertilizer application

• Make advance payment or booking based on service charges

Drone rental models are proving effective in states like Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Maharashtra, where terrain and crop types vary widely.

State-Level Additions and Top-Up Subsidies

Several state governments have added extra subsidies or pilot programs in addition to central schemes.

Maharashtra

• Offers additional ₹1 lakh to FPOs purchasing drones
  

• Provides regional training support through agri universities
  

Punjab

• 100 percent free drone training programs for organic and sustainable farmers
  

• Incentives for adopting green-certified or low-emission drones
  
  

Karnataka

• Top-up subsidies of 10 percent for SC/ST FPOs
  

• Supports drone cooperatives in sugarcane and paddy belts
  
  

Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

• Specific assistance for cotton and rice farmers
  

• App-based drone service booking platforms in development
  
  

Always check with your local agriculture office for the latest notifications, as many of these programs have short application windows or limited regional quotas.

Important Tips Before Applying

Applying for government subsidies sounds simple—but often involves delays or rejections due to minor errors. Here are a few important pointers:

Ensure document consistency
The name and address on your Aadhaar, land record, and bank details must match exactly.

Buy only DGCA-approved drones
Drones purchased from unapproved vendors will not be eligible for any subsidy reimbursement.

Training is usually not covered
Most subsidies only cover drone hardware, not pilot training. Budget ₹15,000–₹25,000 separately unless bundled with purchase.

Get assistance if needed
Many empaneled manufacturers or local FPOs offer help in completing the paperwork and guiding through the approval process.

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Is It Worth It?

With drones priced anywhere between ₹4 lakhs to ₹10 lakhs depending on type and payload, the subsidy support in 2025 can cover up to 75 percent of your investment.

Whether you're a farmer trying to reduce input costs, a service provider wanting to launch a drone rental business, or a startup planning to build an agri-drone fleet—the government is effectively funding a large part of your entry.

Here’s a rough savings breakdown:

• If you’re a woman farmer eligible for 50% subsidy on a ₹5 lakh drone, you’ll only pay ₹2.5 lakh

• An FPO buying a drone worth ₹10 lakh under a 75% subsidy will only pay ₹2.5 lakh

• Add an AIF loan with a 3% interest benefit, and your monthly repayments drop significantly

Final Words

2025 is not just another year for Indian agriculture—it’s a turning point. With technology entering farmlands at scale and government schemes covering a majority of the costs, agri drones are no longer a luxury. They are a smart, viable tool that can transform how farming is done.

Take advantage of these subsidies while they last. Start small, rent if needed, or partner with your FPO. But most importantly—act now.