How to Apply for Agriculture Drone Subsidy in India (2025 Complete Guide)
As agriculture in India steps into the age of technology, drones have become a powerful ally for farmers. From spraying pesticides to monitoring crop health, drones are increasing efficiency and reducing the time and cost involved in traditional farming methods.
To promote the widespread adoption of this technology, the Indian government has launched several subsidy schemes for agriculture drones. In this blog, we at Bharat Skytech break down how farmers, SHGs, FPOs, and agri-entrepreneurs can apply for these subsidies step by step in 2025.
Why the Government Is Offering Drone Subsidies?
The Government of India, through the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, is driving initiatives like the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and the NaMo Drone Didi Scheme to bring modern solutions to the grassroots. These schemes aim to:
Reduce manual labor and input costs
Promote precision farming
Encourage women-led entrepreneurship
Enable small and marginal farmers to access cutting-edge tools affordably
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the applicant category. Here’s who can benefit:
1. Individual Farmers
Eligible for 40–50% subsidy on drone cost, up to ₹5 lakh
Special benefits for SC/ST, women, and small/marginal farmers
2. Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Cooperatives, and SHGs
Can receive up to 75% subsidy, capped at ₹7.5 lakh
3. Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs)
Eligible for 40–50% subsidy, maximum limit of ₹10 lakh
Intended to support entrepreneurs who provide drones on a rental basis to farmers
4. Women SHGs under NaMo Drone Didi
Receive 80% subsidy up to ₹8 lakh, plus access to low-interest loans and drone operation training
Focuses on empowering rural women to become drone service providers
5. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR Institutes, and Agri Universities
Receive 100% subsidy up to ₹10 lakh for drone demonstration and training purposes
Documents Required for Drone Subsidy Application
Make sure to have the following documents ready before you apply:
Aadhaar Card (of applicant)
PAN Card
Caste Certificate (for SC/ST/Women applicants)
Landholding Proof or Lease Agreement
Bank Account Passbook or Cancelled Cheque
Quotation from DGCA-approved drone seller
Recent Passport-size Photograph
Step-by-Step Application Process
Let’s walk through the actual application journey for the Kisan Drone Scheme under SMAM.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the Central Agri Mechanization DBT Portal:
agrimachinery.nic.in
Step 2: Register as a New User
Click on “Farmer Registration” or select the appropriate category (FPO/SHG/Institution) and complete the details:
Name, Mobile, Aadhaar Number
State, District, Village
Type of landholding (own/leased)
Step 3: Upload Documents
Attach all mandatory documents including your Aadhaar, PAN, and quotation from Bharat Skytech or another approved vendor.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Once filled, submit the application. You will receive an Application Reference ID for tracking.
Step 5: Verification by Authorities
The application will be verified by the District Agriculture Officer. You may be contacted for physical verification of your farm or land.
Step 6: Approval and Intimation
Once verified and approved, you’ll receive intimation via SMS/email. Now, proceed to purchase the drone from the approved vendor.
Step 7: Drone Purchase and Upload Invoice
After purchasing the drone, upload the purchase invoice and photos on the portal.
Step 8: Final Verification
A field officer will verify the drone physically to ensure the purchase is genuine.
Step 9: Subsidy Disbursement
After the successful physical verification, the subsidy amount is directly transferred to your bank account.
Additional Financing: Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
If you’re looking to establish a drone-based enterprise (drone training, rental services, repair centres, etc.), the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) can support you:
Interest Subvention: 3% on loans up to ₹2 crore
Loan Tenure: Up to 7 years
Credit Guarantee Coverage through CGTMSE
You can apply for AIF by visiting your local NABARD office or applying online through the AIF portal.
Final Words
Government subsidies are making agricultural drones more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a farmer looking to improve your crop yield, a woman entrepreneur starting your drone journey, or a business aiming to offer drone services—now is the time to act.
With proper guidance and support, drone technology can take your farming practices to new heights of precision and productivity.
