Use of drones in agriculture

Drones are coming in a big way in Indian agriculture - an update

Use of drones in agriculture

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• The story: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued revised guidelines of the “Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization” (SMAM) scheme to make drones more accessible to the farmers.
• Introduction: Mechanised agriculture is the process of using agricultural machinery to mechanise the work of agriculture. India stands at about 40-45% with states such as UP, Haryana and Punjab having very high mechanization levels, but north-eastern states having negligible mechanization. This level of farm mechanization is still low as compared to countries such as the US (95 %), Brazil (75%) and China (57%). The drone technology will be made affordable by assisting in purchase, hiring and demonstrations of agriculture drones. The financial aid and grants shall be applicable till 31st March 2023.
• About the scheme:  The SMAM scheme was launched in 2014-15 with the objectives of increasing the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers and to the regions and difficult areas where farm power availability is low.

1. 40-100% Subsidy: A grant up to 100% of the cost of agriculture drone or Rs.10 lakhs, whichever is less, as a grant for the purchase of drones will be provided but limited to only Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institutes, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and State Agriculture Universities.
2. Subsidy to Agriculture Graduates: Agriculture graduates establishing Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) will be eligible to receive 50% of the basic cost of a drone and its attachments or up to Rs. 5 lakh in grant for drone purchases.
3. Subsidy to FPOs or Cooperative Society of Farmers: Existing CHCs or new ones, already or to be set up by cooperative society of farmers, Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs) and rural entrepreneurs are entitled to receive 4% (maximum Rs. 4 lakh) as grant on the basic cost of drone.
4. CHCs are the main agencies at grassroots to popularize farm mechanization and unless they are given the incentives, drone use will not gather momentum.
5. Rural entrepreneurs are defined as those who have passed the class tenth examination from a recognised Board and have a remote pilot license from an institute recognized by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
6. Demonstration Purposes: The FPOs would be eligible to receive a subsidy of 75% of the cost of the drone if used only for demonstration purposes.
7. Additionally, Rs. 6,000/hectare would be given to these implementing agencies that hire drones from CHCs, Hi-tech Hubs, drone manufacturers and start-ups for demonstrations but would receive Rs 3,000/hectare if they purchase the drones for demonstrations.

• Importance: The subsidized purchase of agriculture drones for CHCs/Hi-tech Hubs will make the technology affordable, resulting in their widespread adoption. This would make drones more accessible to the common man in India and will also significantly encourage domestic drone production.
• Summary: Although mechanisation of agriculture reduces employment and is harmful for environment it plays an important role in optimizing the use of land, water energy resources, manpower and other inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc to maximize the productivity of the available cultivable area and make agriculture a more profitable and attractive profession for rural youth. It is one of the important factors for the sustainable development of the agriculture sector.
• EXAM QUESTIONS: (1) How, and to what extent, would use of drones help in solving India’s agriculture problems? (2) What are the salient features of Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization”? Elaborate.

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