Tomar stated in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha that this includes Rs. 52.50 crores released to the ICAR for the purchase of 300 Kisan Drones and the organization of their demonstrations on farmers' fields covering 75000 hectares through 100 KVKs, 75 ICAR institutions, and 25 SAUs.
It also includes funds released to various state governments for the subsidisation of over 300 Kisan Drones for farmers and the establishment of over 1500 Kisan Drone CHCs to provide drone services to farmers. The use of Kisan Drones has the potential to create numerous job opportunities for people living in rural areas.
Tomar stated that the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is encouraging farmers to use Kisan Drones. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been published, which provide concise instructions for the effective and safe operation of drones for pesticide and nutrient application. Financial assistance is also provided under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), as detailed below:
1. For the purchase of drones by institutes under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), State Agriculture Universities (SAUs), State and other Central Government Agricultural Institutions/Departments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) of the Government of India engaged in agricultural activities, financial assistance at 100% of the cost of the drone is provided up to a maximum of Rs. 10 lakhs per drone. Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) receive grants of up to 75% of the cost of an agriculture drone for demonstrations on farmers' fields. A contingency expenditure of Rs.6000 per hectare is provided to implementing agencies that do not wish to purchase drones but instead wish to hire drones for demonstrations from Custom Hiring Centres, Hi-tech Hubs, Drone Manufacturers, and Start-Ups. The contingent expenditure limit for implementing agencies purchasing drones for drone demonstrations is Rs.3000 per hectare.
2. To make drone services available to farmers on a rental basis, Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) under the Cooperative Society of Farmers, FPOs, and Rural Entrepreneurs provide financial assistance @ 40% up to a maximum of Rs. 4.00 lakhs for the purchase of drones. Agriculture graduates who establish CHCs are eligible for financial assistance worth 50% of the cost of the drone, up to a maximum of Rs.5.00 lakhs per drone.
3. Small and marginal, Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe, Women, and North Eastern State farmers receive financial assistance at 50% of the cost up to a maximum of Rs. 5.00 lakhs, while other farmers receive 40% up to a maximum of Rs. 4.00 lakhs.
