The PM Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025 has revolutionized modern farming by giving Indian farmers access to advanced drone technology at highly subsidized rates. With the government’s push toward smart agriculture, drones are now being used for crop monitoring, precision spraying, pest control, and data-driven farming. This initiative under the PM Kisan Yojana is part of the larger goal to increase productivity, reduce manual labor, and adopt eco-friendly agricultural practices.
The 2025 policy update has further increased subsidy limits and simplified the application process to ensure that even small and marginal farmers benefit from this cutting-edge technology.
Key Benefits of PM Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025
Under this scheme, the government offers financial support to farmers and FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) for purchasing agricultural drones. The benefits include:
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Up to 50% subsidy (or a maximum of ₹5 lakh) for individual farmers purchasing drones.
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Up to 75% subsidy for SC/ST, women, and small/marginal farmers.
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100% funding for agriculture institutes and Krishi Vigyan Kendras to demonstrate drone-based farming.
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Financial support for custom hiring centers (CHCs) to rent drones to other farmers.
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Training programs for farmers on drone operations and maintenance.
This makes drones accessible to all types of farmers, from large landowners to small-scale cultivators.
Applications of Agricultural Drones
The PM Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025 aims to encourage the use of drones for various agricultural purposes:
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Precision spraying of pesticides, fertilizers, and micronutrients.
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Crop health monitoring using multispectral and thermal cameras.
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Field mapping and soil analysis for better land use.
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Real-time weather and pest data collection for proactive farming.
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Seed sowing and water spraying for specific crops.
By adopting drones, farmers can reduce chemical usage by 20–30%, save water, and cut down on manual labor costs.
Eligibility for PM Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025
To avail the benefits, applicants must meet the following conditions:
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Must be a registered farmer under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
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Should possess valid land records or farming leases.
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SC/ST, women farmers, and small/marginal farmers get higher subsidy rates.
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FPOs, SHGs, and cooperatives can apply for bulk subsidies.
Applicants are required to complete basic drone training programs certified by DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) or approved agricultural universities.
How to Apply for the Drone Subsidy
The government has made the process digital and transparent for 2025. Farmers can apply in these steps:
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Visit the PM Kisan official website or local agriculture department portal.
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Go to the “Subsidy/Drone Scheme 2025” section.
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Fill out the application form with PM Kisan ID, Aadhaar, and land details.
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Upload required documents:
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Aadhaar Card and PM Kisan ID
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Land ownership proof
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Bank account details for subsidy transfer
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DGCA-approved drone operator training certificate (if available)
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Submit and track application status online.
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Once approved, subsidy is directly transferred to the vendor or credited to the farmer’s account.
Government Push for Drone Training and FPO Support
The 2025 budget allocated over ₹500 crore for drone promotion and training programs under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF). FPOs and cooperatives are being incentivized to:
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Purchase drones in bulk for community farming.
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Set up custom hiring centers where farmers can rent drones for spraying and field scanning.
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Conduct hands-on workshops in collaboration with agricultural universities.
These steps aim to make drone usage mainstream, reducing dependency on outdated farming techniques.
Impact on Indian Agriculture
The PM Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025 is not just about technology; it’s about building data-driven farming ecosystems. Drones can help:
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Improve yield forecasting by 15–20%.
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Minimize pesticide wastage.
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Reduce farm labor costs by up to 40%.
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Empower farmers with real-time analytics for crop management.
Many states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, have already reported increased adoption of drones in wheat, paddy, and cotton farming.
FAQs
What is the maximum subsidy available under PM Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025?
Farmers can get up to 50% subsidy or ₹5 lakh. For SC/ST and small farmers, the subsidy can go up to 75%.
Can small and marginal farmers afford drones with this scheme?
Yes. With the subsidy and custom hiring centers, even small farmers can either buy drones at lower costs or rent them at affordable rates.
Do I need special training to operate a drone?
Yes, basic drone pilot training approved by DGCA or agriculture institutes is required for operating large drones.
Can FPOs and cooperatives apply for this subsidy?
Yes. FPOs, SHGs, and cooperatives get special financial assistance for purchasing drones and setting up hiring centers.
How do I apply for this subsidy online?
Farmers can apply through the PM Kisan website or the state agriculture department’s online portal by submitting the required documents and PM Kisan ID.
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