Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to claim government subsidies for agricultural drones in India, with a focus on the Sub‑Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and relevant schemes
Here’s the rewritten post in English:
The State Government has taken a significant step toward skill development for Scheduled Caste (SC) youth. In today’s world, drone technology is widely used in agriculture, logistics, surveillance, infrastructure development, and industrial sectors. With modern technology driving agricultural growth, faster and more accurate security systems, and improved logistics services, drone technology is becoming crucial. As a result, the demand for drone pilots is expected to rise in the future job market.
In this regard, the State Government is offering a free 15-day residential training program to SC candidates to help them gain expertise in operating drones.
The training is being organized by the Indira Gandhi Vocational Training Centre for the academic year 2025–26. Separate training camps will be held for North Karnataka (Belagavi and Kalaburagi revenue divisions) and South Karnataka (Bengaluru and Mysuru revenue divisions).
Training Details:
- Duration: 15 days (Residential Training)
- Training Areas:
- Logistics Surveillance
- Agriculture
- Other technical and industry-related applications
Application Process:
- Candidates will be assigned to training centers based on their chosen division.
- The department reserves the right to change the training division if required.
- Information regarding the official website link for applications, the last date to apply, and the training schedule will be published on the department’s official website.
Rules & Regulations:
- Candidates must strictly follow all rules during the training.
- Candidates who fail to complete the 15-day training will be disqualified.
- Any act of indiscipline or misconduct toward instructors will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Permission to leave the training premises will only be granted in emergency situations, with approval from the institution and the department.
- A final examination will be conducted, and the results of this test will be considered final.
Important Instructions:
- Only information published on the department’s official website will be treated as final.
- No separate communication will be made with candidates; hence, they must regularly check the website for updates.
- Candidates will be solely responsible for any errors made during the application process.
This program is a valuable opportunity for SC youth to gain expertise in cutting-edge technology, expand employment opportunities, and achieve self-reliance.
🇮🇳 Central-level Drone Subsidies (SMAM & Allied Schemes)
Who’s eligible under SMAM?
- Small, marginal, women, SC/ST farmers → 50% subsidy (up to ₹5 lakh)
- FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives → up to 75% subsidy (max ₹7.5 lakh)
- Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) → 40–50% subsidy (up to ₹10 lakh)
Additionally, institutional bodies like KVKs, ICAR centres and agricultural universities may receive full grants (up to ₹10 lakh) under separate provisions
✨ Special Scheme: NaMo Drone Didi
A central initiative (2023–2026) exclusively for women-led SHGs, offering an 80% subsidy on drone purchase (capped at ₹8 lakh), along with operator training and access to loan support via the AIF program at ~3% interest
📍 State-level (e.g. Karnataka, UP, Bihar, Telangana)
- Uttar Pradesh offers drone subsidies under its mechanization programme through the Agridarshan portal until mid‑July 2025 .
- Bihar supports farmers with up to ₹3.65 lakh per drone (~60%) via OFMAS platform, plus pilot training costs (₹35,000 per farmer) .
- Andhra Pradesh created Drone Mart portal to democratize drone services—including agriculture—where certified drone service providers connect with users directly .
Check with Karnataka’s Agriculture Department or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for current local subsidy schemes.
✅ Step-by-Step Application Process
- Identify applicable scheme: Central SMAM vs NaMo Drone Didi vs your state subsidy.
- Register on portal: Typically via agrimachinery.nic.in or your state’s agriculture portal .
- Gather documents:
- Aadhaar, PAN, bank details
- Landholding certificate or lease proof
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Quotation from DGCA‑approved drone vendor
- Evidence of registration (FPO / SHG / etc.) if claim under group entity .
- Submit online application: Choose beneficiary type, upload documents, project proposal, and vendor quote.
- Verification stage: District Agriculture or state-level authority shares approval or asks for clarifications.
- Purchase drone: From an empaneled DGCA-approved manufacturer only, per guidelines.
- Claim subsidy: Upload proof of purchase; verified subsidy amount is credited directly to your bank account .
- Training/certification: You may need remote pilot certification from DGCA-aligned training centers (e.g., Drone Academy or NSDC-recognized institutes).
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📋 Summary Table
| Beneficiary Type | Subsidy % | Max Subsidy Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Women, SC/ST, Small & Marginal Farmers | 50% | ₹5 lakh |
| FPOs, SHGs, Cooperatives | 75% | ₹7.5 lakh |
| Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) | 40–50% | ₹10 lakh |
| Women SHGs under NaMo Drone Didi Scheme | 80% | ₹8 lakh |
Note: Training or pilot certification costs may be covered separately under specific programs.
📌 Example: Suppose you’re in Bangalore (Karnataka)…
- Check with local Agriculture Dept. or KVK for state-specific drone subsidies.
- If you’re part of an SHG of women, consider applying under NaMo Drone Didi (high subsidy, training included).
- Otherwise apply under SMAM via agrimachinery.nic.in, choosing your beneficiary category and uploading documents accordingly.
- Purchase only from approved vendors; ensure invoice and registration proof is furnished.
- Get trained and certified by DGCA-approved training providers.
📚 Further Support
- Visit agrimachinery.nic.in for central scheme registrations.
- Contact your District Agriculture Officer (DAO), or nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra to check state-level schemes or application support.
- If using NaMo Drone Didi, join a recognized women-led SHG and connect with a local KVK or training center.
