Good News for Farmers- 75% Subsidy on Agricultural Drones, Apply Now

As part of the subsidy initiative, the Madhya Pradesh government is offering agricultural drones to individual farmers, Farmer Production Organizations (FPOs), custom hiring center operators,  and agricultural universities including Krishi Vigyan Kendras(KVKs). This article provides detailed information about all the benefits, objectives, and application procedures availed through the scheme.

Both the Central and State Governments are actively supporting the use of technology and machinery in agriculture to empower farmers and increase productivity. Simultaneously, the Madhya Pradesh Government is dedicated to modernizing agriculture and providing subsidies for agricultural machinery through a grant scheme. This approach allows more farmers to access tools that improve their farming methods.

The emphasis on agricultural drone technology holds importance due to its ability to save time in daily farming activities. Notably, the state government is offering substantial incentives to motivate farmers to embrace drone usage. Furthermore, the provision of drone piloting training by agricultural universities and other institutions simplifies farmers' effective integration of this technology into their farming routines.

Eligibility Criteria

For accessing drone subsidies in the agricultural sector, both individual farmers and institutions need to possess a valid drone pilot's license for operational purposes. Those entities lacking a drone pilot license can initiate the process by seeking pilot training to proficiently operate a drone. Individuals equipped with pilot training and valid drone licenses can proceed with subsidy applications.

Individuals belonging to the category of individual farmers, custom hiring center operators, and Farmer Production Organizations (FPOs) can express their interest and apply for drone procurement.

Subsidies Provided for Agriculture Drones

For Small-Marginal, Women, Scheduled Caste, and Scheduled Tribe Farmers:

   - These farmers will be eligible for a subsidy amounting to 50% of the total cost of the drone.

   - The maximum subsidy given in this case is Rs 5 lakh.

For Farmers from Other Categories and Custom Hiring Center Operators:

   - Farmers falling under other categories and custom hiring center operators will receive a subsidy of 40% of the machine's total cost.

   - The highest subsidy amount permissible in this category is Rs 4 lakh.

For Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) (Agricultural Machinery Subsidy Scheme):

   - FPOs will enjoy a significant subsidy of 75% of the drone's overall cost.

   - The maximum subsidy for FPOs is set at Rs 7.50 lakh.

Also Read:- Punjab: Dept of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Offers Financial Support & Up To 80% Subsidy on Farm Machinery

Where to Apply for Agriculture Drone Subsidy?

Department Grant Schemes: Madhya Pradesh's Agriculture and Agricultural Engineering Department offers subsidies to farmers for various agricultural machinery needs based on crop care, liquid fertilizer and pesticide spraying, crop grading, and processing. The grant percentage varies according to farmer class and holding category.

Online Application Process: Interested individuals can apply online for the agriculture drone subsidy on the e-grant portal https://farmer.mpdage.org/Home/Index. The online application process commenced on August 8, 2023. The application process will conclude once the targeted demand is met.

Aadhaar Authentication: Existing registered farmers can log in using Aadhaar OTP to submit their online applications. New farmers need to register through biometric Aadhaar authentication before applying. Aadhaar authentication (e-KYC) is performed through a registered fingerprint device.

Drone Pilot License: A valid drone pilot license is required, and the applications without the attached demand draft of earnest money will not be considered valid.

How to Obtain a Valid Drone Pilot's License?

Training Requirements: Individuals, Hiring Centers, FPO Representatives, and Institutions without a valid Drone Pilot's License can receive training at approved Drone Training Centers in their state.

Certificate Course Registration: Applicants need to register for the certificate course through the Director General of Civil Aviation's official website.

Training Fee: The training fee for a drone pilot license is Rs 30,000 (plus GST). Learners need to bear 50% of the fee, with a maximum of Rs 15,000 plus GST, while the government covers the remaining 50%.

Application Submission: Interested participants can submit online applications for training via https://www.mpdage.org/. If any discrepancies are found, the applicant/representative will be considered ineligible for training.

Also Read:- UP Launches "UP Agriculture Portal" for Farmers, Offers Up to 50% Subsidy on Farm Machinery

Conclusion

The coordinated efforts of governments to promote technology-driven agriculture, along with Madhya Pradesh's targeted subsidies and training for drone adoption, are poised to revolutionize farming practices. These steps reflect a forward-looking approach towards sustainable and efficient agriculture, benefiting farmers and the sector at large.

Also Read:- Madhya Pradesh E- Krishi Yantra Anudan Yojana- Get 50 % Subsidy on Agri Machinery; Benefits & Process