Context-

• India is actively promoting drone technology to tackle agricultural challenges. Government initiatives support the drone industry, foreseeing its potential in rural areas. Once considered futuristic, drones now offer cost-effective solutions and job opportunities, especially for youth and women.
• Globally, countries like Africa, Japan, and Spain are utilizing drones to enhance agriculture. India recognized for its potential in drone technology, is poised to leverage drones across various sectors. With increasing interest and government support, India is on the brink of a transformative drone revolution.

The potential of Drone Technology

• Global Economic Impact of Drones in Agriculture:
  • Drones are projected to contribute around USD 7 billion to the global economy within the agricultural sector.
  • This optimistic forecast signals significant promise for agricultural industries worldwide.
• Variations in Adoption Rates Across Countries:
  • In the United States, 84% of farmers utilize drones on a daily or weekly basis.
  • Usage includes crop monitoring (73%) and soil and field analysis (43%).
  • Adoption rates in developing nations like India are notably lower.
• Rapid Growth in India:
  • India is actively exploring and promoting drone technology in agriculture.
  • Despite being in its early stages, numerous companies are working to make drone technology accessible to Indian farmers.
  • The Ministry of Civil Aviation projects significant growth, with the drone industry expected to reach a turnover of Rs. 12,000-15,000 crore by 2026.
• Surge in Drone Startups: 
  • As of June 2023, there are 333 drone startups in India, indicating a significant increase from previous years.
  • Between August 2021 and February 2022, India saw a 34.4% surge in the number of drone or UAV startups.
  • This growth reflects the burgeoning drone industry in India, with startups exploring diverse applications in agriculture, defense, and other sectors.

Pros and Cons of Agri-Drones in Indian Agriculture

Pros:

• Enhanced Security: Trained drone pilots operate the devices, minimizing the risk of misuse and ensuring secure operations.
• Efficiency: Agri-drones work at double the speed of human labor without operational delays, contributing to timely and effective agricultural practices.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The use of ultra-low volume (ULV) spraying technology leads to significant water savings compared to traditional methods, reducing costs.
• Accessibility: Agri-drones feature low cost, easy maintenance, sturdy designs, detachable containers, and precise pesticide spraying capabilities, making them accessible and practical for Indian farmers.

Cons:

• Connectivity Issues: Connectivity issues in rural areas, where online coverage may be limited, pose a challenge and may require farmers to invest in internet connectivity, introducing additional recurring expenses.
• Weather Dependency: Drones are highly reliant on favorable weather conditions, and flying them during rainy or windy weather can affect their operational efficiency.
• Knowledge and Skill Requirements: Farmers may face hurdles in acquiring the necessary expertise for using drone technology daily, highlighting the need for training and education in this emerging technology.

Government Schemes and Initiatives to Promote Drone Industry

• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:
  • Designed to stimulate growth in the drone manufacturing sector.
  • Offers incentives to manufacturers and aims to generate over 10,000 direct jobs in the next three years.
  • Projects substantial growth in annual sales turnover, reaching over Rs. 900 crore by FY 2023-24.
• Scheme for Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs):
  • Allocated Rs. 1,261 crore for 2024-25 to 2025-26.
  • Focuses on providing drones to women SHGs engaged in agriculture for crop monitoring and yield estimation.
  • Aims to empower women in agriculture and create employment opportunities.
• Drone Shakti Scheme for Startups:
  • Provides financial assistance for research, development, and marketing to startups in the drone industry.
  • Aims to foster innovation, growth, and employment opportunities.
• The Drone Rules, 2021:
  • Establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for drone operations in India.
  • Includes the Digital Sky Platform for online registration of drones and operators, streamlining the regulatory process.
• Drones in Agricultural Research:
  • Granted permission to the International Crops Research Institute (ICRISAT) for agricultural research activities using drones.
  • Aims to inspire innovation and technology adoption in agriculture.
• Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM):
  • Provides financial assistance for drone purchases under SMAM for demonstrations on farmers' fields.
  •  Offers subsidies ranging from 50 to 80 percent for agricultural machinery purchases, with priority given to women farmers.

Impact of Kisan Drones on Agriculture:

• Kisan Drones, part of the Indian Government's rural drone revolution, are poised to transform agriculture.
• Traditional methods like hand-held back-strapped pumps for spraying pesticides are laborious and risky.
• Kisan Drones offer a safer alternative, eliminating risks from poisonous reptiles and wild animals in fields.
• Promoted crop assessment, land records digitization, and insecticide spraying.
• Enable farmers to monitor crops effectively, identify issues early, and take prompt action.
• Provide detailed data on crop health, helping farmers identify areas needing attention.
• Enhance crop yields and increase profits by enabling timely interventions.
• Identify areas needing attention, reducing manual labor and chemical usage.
• Lower costs associated with farming operations, contributing to improved profitability.

Conclusion

Drones are integral to modern agriculture, enhancing precision and efficiency across various tasks. They analyze soil and support decision-making in crop selection and planting patterns. Drones revolutionize planting by executing precise sowing across large areas, reducing costs and physical strain. They enable the targeted application of inputs like pesticides, optimize crop monitoring, and facilitate efficient irrigation management. Additionally, drones detect crop health issues early, allowing for proactive interventions and optimizing yields. Despite some limitations, with strong government focus, regulatory backing, liberal incentives, and appropriate training programs, drones have the potential to revolutionize Indian agriculture and uplift the rural economy.

Source- The Hindu Business Line