Drone Subsidy Scheme Andhra Pradesh 2025 | ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ డ్రోన్ సబ్సిడీ పథకం 2025 | AP Govt Drone Subsidy Scheme 2025: Apply Online, Eligibility & Benefits | How to Get Drone Subsidy in Andhra Pradesh
The agricultural sector in India is undergoing a transformative phase, with technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and promoting sustainable farming practices. In Andhra Pradesh, a state known for its rich agricultural heritage, the government is leveraging cutting-edge drone technology to empower farmers and modernize farming practices. The Drone Subsidy Scheme for Farmers in Andhra Pradesh 2025 is a landmark initiative aimed at integrating drone technology into agriculture, offering financial assistance, training, and support to farmers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the scheme, its objectives, eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and its potential impact on the agricultural landscape of Andhra Pradesh.
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Overview of the Drone Subsidy Scheme in Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh government has recognized the potential of drones to revolutionize agriculture by improving efficiency, reducing labor dependency, and enabling precision farming. In line with the central government’s push for agricultural mechanization, the state has introduced a robust Drone Subsidy Scheme for 2025. The initiative focuses on establishing 875 drone service centers across villages in its first phase, with a total investment of ₹88 crore for drone procurement. These centers will provide farmers access to drone technology for tasks such as spraying pesticides and fertilizers, crop monitoring, soil analysis, and irrigation management.
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| Drone Subsidy Scheme Andhra Pradesh |
Announced as part of the state’s agricultural budget, the scheme is a strategic effort to cover all villages in Andhra Pradesh within three years. The government is offering a substantial subsidy of up to 90% on the cost of drones, with the remaining amount facilitated through bank loans. The scheme is supported by technical expertise from Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) and involves the formation of farmer committees under Rythu Sadhikara Kendras to ensure effective implementation.
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Drone Subsidy Scheme AP Highlights
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Drone Subsidy Scheme for Farmers in Andhra Pradesh 2025 |
| Objective | Promote precision farming, reduce labor dependency, and enhance agricultural efficiency |
| Subsidy Offered | Up to 90% subsidy on drones (costing ~₹10 lakh), with remaining 10% via bank loans |
| Drone Service Centers | 875 centers to be established in villages in the first phase with ₹88 crore investment |
| Eligibility | Small/marginal farmers, SC/ST, women, FPOs, SHGs, rural entrepreneurs, and agricultural institutions |
| Training | Free drone operation and maintenance training by ANGRAU for farmers and youth |
| Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) | Affordable drone rental services at ₹150-₹300 per acre for farmers |
| Benefits | 20-30% yield increase, 50% reduction in input overuse, time savings, and eco-friendly practices |
| Application Process | Online registration via DBT portal, document submission, and direct subsidy disbursement |
| Support Framework | Managed by Dept. of Agriculture, ANGRAU, and Rythu Sadhikara Kendras with state-level oversight |
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Objectives of the Scheme
The Drone Subsidy Scheme in Andhra Pradesh is designed with several key objectives:
- Enhancing Agricultural Efficiency: Drones equipped with advanced GPS and sensor technology enable precise application of pesticides, fertilizers, and micronutrients, reducing wastage and environmental impact.
- Reducing Labor Dependency: With labor shortages becoming a challenge in rural areas, drones help automate labor-intensive tasks like spraying, saving time and effort.
- Promoting Precision Farming: Drones provide real-time data on crop health, soil conditions, and water needs, enabling farmers to make informed decisions and optimize yields.
- Empowering Farmers Economically: By providing access to subsidized drones and training, the scheme aims to create new income opportunities, particularly for small and marginal farmers and rural youth.
- Sustainable Agriculture: The precise application of inputs minimizes chemical overuse, contributing to environmentally friendly farming practices.
Key Features of the Scheme
The Andhra Pradesh Drone Subsidy Scheme for 2025 includes several notable features:
- Substantial Subsidy: Each drone, costing approximately ₹10 lakh, is subsidized up to 90%, with the remaining 10% covered through bank loans. This makes drone technology affordable for small and marginal farmers.
- Drone Service Centers: The state plans to establish 875 drone service centers in the first phase, ensuring widespread access to drone technology across rural areas.
- Training Programs: Free training on drone operation and maintenance is provided to farmers and rural youth, facilitated by ANGRAU and other agricultural institutions.
- Farmer Committees: Committees of 4-5 farmers are formed under Rythu Sadhikara Kendras in various mandals to manage drone usage and ensure equitable access.
- Quality Assurance: A state-level committee, headed by the Director of Agriculture, evaluates the quality and capacity of drones before distribution to ensure reliability and performance.
- Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs): For farmers unable to purchase drones, CHCs offer rental services at affordable rates, typically ₹150-₹300 per acre, making the technology accessible to all.
Eligibility Criteria
The Drone Subsidy Scheme is designed to benefit a wide range of stakeholders in the agricultural sector. The eligibility criteria include:
- Individual Farmers: Small, marginal, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and women farmers are prioritized, with subsidies of up to 50% (or ₹5 lakh) for drone purchases.
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): FPOs and cooperative societies can avail subsidies of up to 40% (or ₹4 lakh) to establish CHCs for drone rental services.
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Women-led SHGs are eligible for an 80% subsidy (up to ₹8 lakh) under the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, a central initiative integrated into Andhra Pradesh’s program.
- Rural Entrepreneurs and Agricultural Graduates: Those establishing drone service businesses or CHCs can receive subsidies of up to 50% (or ₹5 lakh).
- Agricultural Institutions: Institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), ICAR institutes, and State Agricultural Universities can receive up to 100% subsidy (or ₹10 lakh) for drones used in demonstrations and training.
Farmers must register with the state’s agriculture department or Rythu Sadhikara Kendras and provide necessary documentation, such as Aadhaar, caste certificates (for SC/ST categories), and land ownership records. Drones must be purchased from empaneled manufacturers listed on the government’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) portal to qualify for subsidies.
Benefits of the Drone Subsidy Scheme
The scheme offers a multitude of benefits that can transform agriculture in Andhra Pradesh:
- Increased Crop Yields: Pilot projects across India have shown that drone usage can increase crop yields by 20-30% due to precise application of inputs and timely interventions based on data analytics.
- Cost Savings: Drones reduce the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers by up to 50%, lowering input costs for farmers. The rental model through CHCs further reduces the financial burden on small farmers.
- Time Efficiency: Drones can spray pesticides or fertilizers over one acre in less than 10 minutes, significantly faster than manual methods, allowing farmers to focus on other tasks.
- Environmental Sustainability: Precise application minimizes chemical runoff, reducing soil and water pollution and promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
- Economic Empowerment: SHGs and rural entrepreneurs can generate additional income of at least ₹1 lakh per year by offering drone rental services. Women, in particular, benefit from the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, which fosters financial independence.
- Data-Driven Farming: Drones provide valuable insights through plant counting, vegetation indices, and water needs analysis, enabling farmers to optimize resources and improve productivity.
- Skill Development: Free training programs equip farmers and youth with advanced skills in drone operation, maintenance, and data analysis, enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Application Process of Scheme
To avail the benefits of the Drone Subsidy Scheme, farmers and eligible groups must follow these steps:
- Online Registration: Visit the official DBT portal (https://agrimachinery.nic.in) and register as a farmer, SHG, or FPO using Aadhaar for e-KYC verification. A unique ID and password will be generated.
- Select Drone and Dealer: Choose a DGCA-approved drone from empaneled manufacturers and negotiate the sale price with registered dealers listed on the portal.
- Submit Application: Apply for the subsidy by submitting details such as Aadhaar, caste certificate (if applicable), land records, and bank loan documents (if required). A unique application ID will be generated for tracking.
- Purchase and Verification: Purchase the drone from the selected dealer, who will upload the bill and implement details. A government officer will conduct physical verification of the drone and documents.
- Subsidy Disbursement: Upon successful verification, the subsidy is disbursed directly to the farmer’s bank account. For CHCs, additional infrastructure support may be provided.
Farmers can also contact their local agriculture office or Rythu Sadhikara Kendras for assistance with the application process and to locate nearby CHCs.
Implementation and Support
The scheme is implemented through a collaborative framework involving the Andhra Pradesh Department of Agriculture, ANGRAU, and Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs). A state-level committee ensures the quality and suitability of drones, while ANGRAU provides technical know-how and training. The government has integrated the scheme with the central Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and Namo Drone Didi initiatives to maximize outreach and impact.
The Drone Portal, an IT-based Management Information System, monitors drone operations, fund disbursement, and service delivery, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Rythu Sadhikara Kendras serve as local hubs for coordinating farmer committees and CHC operations.
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the scheme holds immense promise, challenges such as limited awareness, regulatory compliance (e.g., DGCA certification), and the need for skilled drone operators must be addressed. The government’s focus on training and awareness campaigns, coupled with partnerships with institutions like ANGRAU, aims to overcome these hurdles.
Looking ahead, the scheme is expected to expand its coverage, potentially integrating drones for advanced applications like seed sowing and livestock monitoring. By fostering a network of drone service centers and skilled operators, Andhra Pradesh is poised to become a leader in precision agriculture, contributing to the state’s vision of sustainable and technology-driven farming.
Conclusion
The Drone Subsidy Scheme for Farmers in Andhra Pradesh 2025 is a game-changer for the state’s agricultural sector. By providing substantial subsidies, comprehensive training, and access to drone technology, the scheme empowers farmers to embrace precision farming, reduce costs, and enhance productivity. With a focus on inclusivity, particularly for small farmers, women, and SHGs, the initiative aligns with the broader goals of economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. As Andhra Pradesh moves toward covering all villages with drone services, this scheme sets a benchmark for other states, heralding a new era of technology-driven agriculture in India.
Drone Subsidy Scheme for Farmers in Andhra Pradesh FAQs
Q. What is the Drone Subsidy Scheme for Farmers in Andhra Pradesh 2025?
It is a state government initiative to provide subsidized drones to farmers for precision farming, pesticide/fertilizer spraying, crop monitoring, and irrigation management, aiming to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Q. Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
Small/marginal farmers, SC/ST farmers, women, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), rural entrepreneurs, and agricultural institutions like KVKs and State Agricultural Universities.
Q. What is the subsidy amount provided?
Up to 90% subsidy on drones costing ~₹10 lakh (i.e., ₹9 lakh), with the remaining 10% covered by bank loans. Specific subsidies include 50% (₹5 lakh) for individual farmers, 40% (₹4 lakh) for FPOs, and 80% (₹8 lakh) for SHGs under Namo Drone Didi.
Q. How can farmers access drones if they cannot afford to buy one?
Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) offer drone rental services at affordable rates of ₹150-₹300 per acre, making the technology accessible to all farmers.
Q. What tasks can drones perform under this scheme?
Drones are used for spraying pesticides/fertilizers, crop health monitoring, soil analysis, water needs assessment, and plant counting, promoting precision agriculture.
Q. How can farmers apply for the subsidy?
Register on the DBT portal (https://agrimachinery.nic.in) with Aadhaar for e-KYC, select a DGCA-approved drone from empaneled manufacturers, submit documents (Aadhaar, caste/land records), and track the application via a unique ID.
Q. Is training provided for drone operation?
Yes, free training on drone operation, maintenance, and data analysis is provided by Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) for farmers and rural youth.
Q. How many drone service centers will be set up?
The first phase includes establishing 875 drone service centers across villages with a ₹88 crore investment, aiming to cover all villages in three years.
Q. What are the benefits of using drones under this scheme?
Benefits include 20-30% higher crop yields, 50% reduction in input overuse, time savings (spraying 1 acre in ~10 minutes), cost savings, environmental sustainability, and new income opportunities for SHGs/entrepreneurs.
Q. Who oversees the scheme’s implementation?
The scheme is managed by the Andhra Pradesh Department of Agriculture, ANGRAU, and Rythu Sadhikara Kendras, with a state-level committee ensuring drone quality and transparency via the Drone Portal.