Central Government Has Decided To Promote Drones:
The Agriculture Department is making preparations to provide drones to farmers as part of farm mechanization. The central government has decided to promote drones in the state by using the scheme called Submission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM). This will make it easier for farmers to use drones to spray pesticides in crop fields. The Agriculture Department is putting up proposals to use the Rs. 500 crore set aside in the 2022–23 budget to buy these drones. The drone is expected to cost Rs 10 lakh, and plans are in the works to give 5,000 drones to farmers in the state with subsidies. It has been decided to give drones to BC, SC, and other towns at a reduced cost. It must be made clear which groups should receive what amount of funding. Additionally, the Center will continue to offer financial support through March 31, 2023.
Drone technology applied at the rural level:
By offering discounted drones, the technology can quickly reach rural areas. The state’s Yantra Lakshmi programme, which also includes the Agricultural Mechanization Sub-Mission, RKVY, and other programmes, will make the drones available. Drone and equipment purchases will be subsidised for farmer groups, FPOs, and rural youth. According to officials, this is open to rural youngsters who have passed the equivalent of the 10th grade exam.
Additionally, a remote pilot certificate issued by a training facility approved by the Director General of Civil Aviation is required (DGCA). Drone use in agriculture is currently granted conditional licences by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA. To regulate drone use, it has announced “Drone Rules 2021.”It has brought with it operating procedures for the use of drones to spray soil nutrients and pesticides for crop protection.
Up to Rs. 10 lakh in grants:
The purpose of this drone programme is to create unique hiring centres through SMAM and give small and marginal farmers access to agricultural equipment. Under this programme, farmers can receive agricultural equipment and implements that have been subsidised. Financial support will be given in the amount of Rs. 4 lakh, or 40% of the cost of the drone and its components.
The Center has said that Agri graduates who open up custom hiring businesses will be entitled to a subsidy of up to Rs 5 lakh, or 50% of the drone’s purchase price. Universities, ICAR Institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and Agriculture Training Institutions would each receive a grant for drones worth up to Rs. 10 lakh in full.
