Pesticide spraying
Uniform application with less chemical exposure for the operator.
Kisan drone guide
Agriculture drones in India: uses, subsidies and rules.
By the NVX engineering team, New Delhi
Kisan drones spray pesticides and nutrients faster and with less exposure for workers than manual methods. Central schemes now share the cost for many buyers, and the Ministry of Agriculture has published SOPs for drone spraying. This guide covers uses, support schemes, rules and upkeep.
What agriculture drones are used for
Most work is spraying, but uses are widening.
Nutrient spraying
Liquid fertilisers and micronutrients, including nano fertilisers.
Seed and granule spreading
With spreader attachments on suitable drones.
Crop monitoring
Camera and multispectral imaging to spot stress, pests and water issues.
Crop assessment
Drones are also used in schemes such as PMFBY for crop assessment.
Central government support schemes
Figures below are from PIB releases of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. States may add their own schemes; confirm current amounts and eligibility with your state agriculture department before buying.
SMAM: ICAR, KVKs, state agricultural universities
100% of the drone cost, up to INR 10 lakh per drone, for demonstrations.
SMAM: FPOs
Up to 75% of the drone cost for demonstrations on farmers' fields.
SMAM: Custom Hiring Centres
40% of the drone cost up to INR 4 lakh for CHCs run by farmer cooperatives, FPOs and rural entrepreneurs. Agriculture graduates setting up CHCs can get 50% up to INR 5 lakh.
SMAM: individual farmers
50% up to INR 5 lakh for small and marginal, SC/ST, women and North Eastern state farmers; 40% up to INR 4 lakh for other farmers.
Namo Drone Didi
A central sector scheme with INR 1,261 crore outlay to provide drones to 15,000 women Self Help Groups, with 80% of the drone package cost up to INR 8 lakh.
Rules for spraying with drones
Agricultural drones follow the Drone Rules, 2021 like any other drone, plus agriculture-specific guidance.
Registration and pilot
Most spray drones are in the small category, so they need a UIN and a pilot with a Remote Pilot Certificate.
Spraying SOP
The Ministry of Agriculture released an SOP for drone application of pesticides and soil and crop nutrients in December 2021, covering permissions, distances, weather, and before, during and after operation procedures.
Crop-specific SOPs
Crop-specific SOPs for applying pesticides with drones were released in April 2023.
Approved products only
Use pesticides and doses approved for drone application, and follow the label and the Central Insecticides Board guidance.
Airspace
Check the Digital Sky map; fields near airports may fall in yellow or red zones.
Keeping a spray drone working through the season
Spray chemicals are corrosive and fields are dusty. Rinse the tank, pump, lines and nozzles with clean water after every day of spraying; wipe down arms, motors and connectors; inspect propellers for chips; and store batteries at storage charge in a cool, dry place. NVX repairs agriculture drones from across India; see our maintenance checklist and agriculture drone repair page.
FAQ
Agriculture Drones: common questions
What is a kisan drone?
A drone used for farm work such as spraying pesticides and nutrients, spreading seed or monitoring crops.
How much subsidy is available for agriculture drones?
Under SMAM, individual farmers can get 40% to 50% of the cost up to INR 4 to 5 lakh depending on category; FPOs up to 75%; and government institutions 100% up to INR 10 lakh. Namo Drone Didi covers 80% up to INR 8 lakh for selected women SHGs. Check current terms with your state.
Do I need a pilot certificate to fly a spray drone?
Usually yes. Most spray drones weigh more than 2 kg, so the pilot needs a Remote Pilot Certificate from a DGCA-authorised RPTO.
Can any pesticide be sprayed with a drone?
No. Use only products and doses approved for drone application, and follow the Ministry of Agriculture's SOPs.
Does NVX sell agriculture drones?
NVX's focus is enterprise, research and nature-inspired drones. NVX repairs agriculture drones and can advise on maintenance.
What is Namo Drone Didi?
A central scheme that provides drones to women Self Help Groups so they can offer spraying services to farmers, with 80% central assistance up to INR 8 lakh.
Talk to NVX
Questions about drones? Ask the team that builds them.
Call +91 95609 21619, message us on WhatsApp, or visit us in Connaught Place, New Delhi.
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