PM Kisan Drone Subsidy Scheme 2025 – Who’s Eligible?

In a bold push for precision farming, the Government of India has expanded the scope of the PM Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025, allowing lakhs of Indian farmers to access advanced agricultural drone technology at heavily subsidized rates. The goal is to boost productivity, cut chemical usage, and ensure efficient use of resources like fertilizers and pesticides.

This scheme, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is designed to make drone usage mainstream among Indian farmers — especially small and marginal landholders.

What Is the PM Kisan Drone Subsidy Scheme?

The PM Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025 is part of the broader Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), and it provides financial assistance to eligible farmers and institutions for purchasing drones and related accessories.

Through this scheme, the government aims to encourage:

• Use of drones for spraying nutrients and pesticides

• Land and crop surveillance

• Soil health mapping

• Real-time monitoring of crop damage and yield estimation

The subsidy helps reduce the cost burden for farmers and supports the “Digital India” vision in agriculture.

Eligibility Criteria for PM Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025

To apply for this scheme, applicants must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:

• Must be a registered farmer under the PM-KISAN scheme

• Must own cultivable land with valid land records

• Should possess a functional bank account with Aadhaar seeding

• Priority is given to FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs)

• Institutions like agricultural universities are also eligible for higher subsidies

Small and marginal farmers can apply individually or as a group via FPOs to make drone ownership more feasible.

Subsidy Details Under the Scheme

The government offers different subsidy percentages depending on the applicant category. Below is a detailed breakdown:

The PM Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025 ensures even small farmers can participate in the drone revolution.

How to Apply for the Drone Subsidy

Farmers can apply online through the official SMAM portal or contact their local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture department.

Steps to Apply:

• Visit the agri[.]gov[.]in or SMAM portal

• Register with Aadhaar and land ownership proof

• Choose type of drone and service provider (from empaneled list)

• Submit bank details and upload required documents

• Wait for verification and approval from district-level officers

Subsidies are disbursed directly into the applicant’s bank account under the DBT system.

Benefits of Drones in Agriculture

The PM Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025 supports adoption because drones can drastically transform farming:

• Precision spraying: Reduces wastage and ensures even chemical coverage

• Time-saving: Covers large areas in minutes

• Cost-effective: Cuts down on labor costs and input usage

• Safe application: Minimizes human exposure to harmful pesticides

• Monitoring & mapping: Helps in crop health tracking and data collection

This aligns with India’s growing Agri-Tech movement to make farming modern and profitable.

Use Cases of Drones on Indian Farms

Many FPOs are now forming drone hiring units to rent drones to individual farmers, creating job opportunities as well.

FAQs

Who can apply for PM Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025?

Individual farmers registered under PM-KISAN, FPOs, CHCs, KVKs, and agri-institutions are eligible.

How much subsidy is given under the scheme?

It ranges from 40% to 100% of the drone cost, depending on the applicant category.

Can I use the subsidy to buy any drone?

No, only drones from empaneled manufacturers and suppliers listed by the government are allowed.

Is training required to operate drones?

Yes, training at government-certified drone training centers is required before usage.

Where can I check my application status?

You can track your application on the SMAM portal using your registration number and mobile OTP.