The Ministry of Agriculture is advocating for the adoption of Kisan drones to boost employment opportunities and improve efficiency in the agricultural sector. Financial support is being provided to farmers for purchasing drones and setting up Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) for drone rental services. Under the Sub-Mission of Agricultural Mechanization, Rs 141.39 crore has been allocated to promote the use of these drones.
Funds have been allocated to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for the procurement of drones and organizing demonstrations on farmers’ fields through various agricultural institutions. Additionally, 296 drones have been procured for drone pilot training, with over 27,000 drone demonstrations conducted on nutrient, fertilizer, and pesticide applications.
Despite the benefits, such as saving time and reducing exposure to hazardous chemicals, farmers are concerned about the high cost of drones, which can reach Rs 6-7 lakh for a standard model. Farmers like Guramneet Mangat from Uttar Pradesh have highlighted the financial burden on middle-class farmers, even as they acknowledge the potential advantages of drone technology.
The use of drones in agriculture helps reduce water consumption, improves spraying efficiency, and lowers costs for farmers. However, the high initial investment and maintenance costs remain significant challenges for widespread adoption.
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