In a major step towards modernizing agriculture, the Indian government has expanded the Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025 program to promote the use of drones in precision farming. These drones help farmers monitor crops, spray fertilizers, collect data, and reduce operational costs—making agriculture smarter, faster, and more sustainable.
The 2025 scheme aims to increase drone adoption across rural India by offering direct financial assistance, training support, and easier access to drone services.
What Is the Kisan Drone Subsidy Scheme?
The Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025 is a central government initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It provides subsidies to individual farmers, cooperatives, and FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) for purchasing or leasing drones equipped for agricultural tasks.
Key objectives:
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Boost crop monitoring and real-time field analysis
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Reduce manual labor and chemical overuse
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Promote tech-driven precision farming
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Make drone services affordable for small and marginal farmers
The scheme supports both direct ownership and service-based drone usage through custom hiring centers.
Subsidy Rates and Eligibility in 2025
The subsidy amount varies based on applicant type, purpose, and drone usage model. The government has revised rates in 2025 to make the scheme more inclusive.
| Applicant Type | Subsidy Percentage | Maximum Limit (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Farmers | 50% | ₹5 lakh |
| SC/ST, Small/Marginal Farmers | 60% | ₹6 lakh |
| FPOs & Cooperatives | 75% | ₹8 lakh |
| Custom Hiring Centers | 40% | ₹4 lakh |
Eligible applicants must be registered with the agriculture department and possess a valid Kisan Credit Card (KCC) or Aadhaar-linked farm ID.
Types of Agricultural Drones Covered
The Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025 covers multiple types of drones based on their intended agricultural use.
Supported drone functions include:
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Crop health imaging and NDVI mapping
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Pesticide and fertilizer spraying
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Soil moisture and weed detection
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Real-time GPS-based field surveying
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Livestock monitoring and irrigation planning
The drones must be DGCA-approved and sourced from certified manufacturers or service providers.
How to Apply for the Kisan Drone Subsidy
Farmers and FPOs can apply for the subsidy through the PM-Kisan portal or via their local agriculture extension officer.
Application steps:
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Register on the https://agrimachinery.nic.in/ portal
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Fill out the drone subsidy application form
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Upload KYC documents, land records, and quotation from approved vendor
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Await field verification and approval by district agriculture officer
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Post-approval, subsidy amount is credited to the applicant’s bank account or adjusted at the time of drone purchase
The government also conducts regular awareness camps and demo sessions to train farmers on drone usage.
Benefits of Drones in Farming
The Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025 is not just about financial aid—it’s about transforming how farming is done in India.
Major benefits:
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Covers 5–10 acres in minutes, saving labor
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Reduces pesticide use by up to 30%
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Improves yield prediction and planning
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Enables data-driven decisions for crop care
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Safe and contactless spraying during disease outbreaks
Drone analytics also helps in crop insurance claims and disaster impact assessments.
Training and Maintenance Support
To ensure long-term adoption, the scheme includes training programs for farmers and rural youth.
Support components:
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Certified drone operator training via agri institutes
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Technical maintenance workshops for rural entrepreneurs
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Establishment of drone service hubs in villages
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Free training for SC/ST and women farmers under Skill India
The initiative supports job creation through drone operators, repair technicians, and data analysts in rural areas.
Final Thoughts
The Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025 is a future-forward initiative that gives Indian farmers the tools they need to compete in a global agri-economy. With up to 75% subsidy and hands-on training, the scheme ensures even small-scale farmers can benefit from cutting-edge technology. By adopting drones, Indian agriculture moves one step closer to efficiency, sustainability, and self-reliance.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Kisan Drone Subsidy 2025?
Individual farmers, FPOs, cooperatives, SC/ST farmers, and Custom Hiring Centers registered with the agriculture department are eligible.
How much subsidy can a small farmer receive?
Small and marginal farmers can get up to 60% subsidy, with a cap of ₹6 lakh for purchasing agricultural drones.
Where can farmers apply for the subsidy?
Farmers can apply through the official Agriculture Machinery portal or by visiting their nearest agriculture extension office.
Are all drones eligible for subsidy?
Only DGCA-certified drones meant for agricultural use from approved manufacturers are eligible under this scheme.
Is training provided under this scheme?
Yes. Free and subsidized training is provided to eligible farmers, drone operators, and rural youth through government-recognized centers.
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