Agricultural Drone Subsidy 2026: SMAM and Namo Drone Didi Scheme

Key Takeaways

• SMAM drone subsidy: Eligible individual farmers may receive 40% or 50% assistance, subject to the applicable maximum limits.
• Namo Drone Didi Scheme: Selected women’s SHGs can receive 80% financial assistance on the eligible drone package cost, up to ₹8 lakh, under the approved scheme framework.
• Institutional assistance: Eligible agricultural institutions can receive up to 100% assistance, capped at ₹10 lakh per drone, for specified purchase and demonstration activities under SMAM.
• Application process: Individual applicants generally need to check their state’s agriculture or farm mechanisation portal. Women’s SHGs should approach the relevant rural livelihood mission.
• Drone insurance: Appropriate drone insurance can help manage specified risks, depending on the policy’s terms, conditions and exclusions.

Which Government Schemes Provide Agricultural Drone Subsidies in India?

Two important central government initiatives support agricultural drone adoption: SMAM and Namo Drone Didi.

The schemes have different eligibility conditions, so applicants should identify the category that applies to them before purchasing a drone or applying for financial assistance.

SMAM Drone Subsidy: Financial Assistance for Farmers

The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) encourages adoption of farm equipment and modern agricultural machinery. The initiative covers individual equipment purchases as well as projects establishing farm equipment service networks and Custom Hiring Centres. Under SMAM, financial assistance is available for the purchase of specific agricultural drones and for conducting eligible demonstrations of such equipment as well. The assistance depends on the category of applicant and the purpose of purchase.

Also Read: Application of Drones in Agriculture

How Much Subsidy Is Available Under SMAM?

The following rates have been published by the Government of India for agricultural drones under SMAM.

Important: These are published assistance rates, not a guarantee of approval. The applicable beneficiary category, eligible cost, current guidelines, state-level implementation and available funds determine the assistance an applicant may receive.

Example of SMAM Drone Subsidy Calculation

In the case of an eligible small farmer buying a drone worth ₹8 lakh:

• Eligible subsidy rate =50%
• Calculated assistance = ₹4 lakh
• Maximum assistance for this category = ₹5 lakh
• Illustrative amount payable by the farmer = ₹4 lakh

If the drone costs ₹12 lakh, 50% would equal ₹6 lakh. However, the applicable cap limits the assistance to ₹5 lakh, leaving ₹7 lakh payable by the farmer, assuming the full quoted cost is eligible.

These examples are illustrative. Actual assistance depends on the approved cost and applicable scheme conditions.

Who Should Consider SMAM?

SMAM may apply to:

• Individual farmers contemplating purchase of an agricultural drone.
• FPOs interested in conducting agricultural drone demonstrations.
• Cooperatives and entrepreneurs establishing eligible Custom Hiring Centres.
• Agriculture graduates planning to offer drone services commercially.
• Agricultural institutions involved in approved demonstration activities.

Namo Drone Didi Scheme: Drone Subsidy for Women’s SHGs

The Namo Drone Didi Scheme seeks to supply agricultural drones to select women's Self-Help Groups for providing spraying and other approved agricultural services to farmers for consideration. The scheme has been sanctioned at a total outlay of Rs. 1,261 crore with a time frame of 2023-24 to 2025-26. It proposes to benefit 15,000 selected women's SHGs by providing income-generating opportunities.

What Subsidy is Available in Namo Drone Didi?

As per the sanctioned scheme, the selected women's SHGs can receive the following:

• Central financial assistance: 80% of the eligible drone package cost, up to ₹8 lakh.
• Remaining funding: The balance may be financed through an Agriculture Infrastructure Fund loan, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions. The approved framework provides for a 3% interest subvention.
• Training: One SHG member receives drone pilot training, while another member or family member receives drone assistant training under the scheme framework.
• Service opportunities: SHGs can offer drone-based agricultural services to farmers and generate revenue.

The approved package and operational guidelines specify the equipment, training and support applicable to selected beneficiaries. Applicants should confirm the precise package and terms with the implementing authority.

What Are the Benefits of Namo Drone Didi?

The potential benefits of the Namo Drone Didi Scheme include:

• Income generation: The SHGs will be able to generate income by providing services to the farmers.
• Access to technology: The drones can be used to perform agricultural operations more efficiently depending on the crop, weather conditions and spraying guidelines.
• Reduced cost: The financial assistance reduces the portion of the package price that a selected SHG will need to contribute.
• Training facility: Training assistance enables members of the SHG to learn the skills for operating drones and providing agricultural services.
• Entrepreneurship development: The scheme creates an opportunity for setting up a service-based business by leveraging modern agricultural technology.

Is Namo Drone Didi Accepting New Applications in 2026-27?

The approved scheme was to be implemented between 2023-24 and 2025-26. However, the Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated Rs 677 crore to the scheme. This suggests that the provision for the scheme will continue beyond 2025-26.

Nevertheless, the allocation does not indicate whether new applications will be accepted in all states and whether the selection process will continue as before. Therefore, women's SHGs are advised to contact their State Rural Livelihood Mission, block-level rural livelihood office or district agriculture department for information pertaining to the current implementation status, selection process and availability of assistance.

SMAM vs Namo Drone Didi: Which Scheme Is Right for You?

The right scheme depends on the applicant and their proposed use for the drone.

• For individual farmers: Check the applicable SMAM assistance category and your state’s current application window.
• For women’s SHGs: Enquire about selection and implementation under Namo Drone Didi.
• For FPOs: Check eligibility for drone demonstrations or a Custom Hiring Centre under the relevant SMAM provisions.
• For agriculture graduates: Explore the assistance available for establishing an eligible drone Custom Hiring Centre.
• For agricultural institutions: Verify eligibility for purchase and demonstration assistance under SMAM.

Before making a purchase, determine the approved drone specifications, eligible costs, documentation and sanction requirements. Equipment purchases without the necessary approval may disqualify an applicant for the subsidy.

Also Read: How to Become a Drone Pilot in India?

Who Is Eligible for an Agricultural Drone Subsidy?

Eligibility criteria depend on the scheme and the category of the applicant. In general, the following groups may qualify for assistance under the terms of the applicable provisions.

Individual Farmers

Farmers may apply for assistance under the SMAM scheme. The percentage and value limits depend on the category of the applicant and the prevailing terms of the scheme.

Women Farmers and Other Priority Categories

Women, small and marginal farmers, farmers belonging to the SC/ST category, and farmers in North-Eastern States are eligible for higher-assistance categories under SMAM.

Farmer Producer Organisations

FPOs may apply for assistance with regard to agricultural drone demonstrations or other related activities under the provisions of the applicable scheme.

Custom Hiring Centres and Rural Entrepreneurs

Eligible cooperatives, FPOs and rural entrepreneurs may apply for assistance in the establishment of Custom Hiring Centres for agricultural equipment and drones on a rental basis.

Women’s Self-Help Groups

SHGs that have been selected under the applicable rural livelihood provisions may apply for assistance under the Namo Drone Didi program. The application process involves the designated system of selection rather than an individual farmer application.

Meeting the description of one of these categories does not guarantee approval for the assistance application. The applicant must meet the documentation, equipment and other relevant requirements.

How to Apply for an Agricultural Drone Subsidy

The application process for a subsidy depends on the scheme and the state in which the applicant falls under. The following steps provide a general overview of the process.

Step 1: Determine the Applicable Scheme

The first step is to determine whether the applicant falls under the category of an individual farmer, FPO, Custom Hiring Centre, an eligible institution or a women’s SHG.

Step 2: Check Current Application Availability

For applications under SMAM, the applicant should contact their state’s Agriculture Department, agricultural engineering department or the farm mechanisation/DBT portal. For applications under Namo Drone Didi, the relevant State Rural Livelihood Mission or the district/block-level implementing office should be contacted.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Depending on the scheme and the category of the applicant, the following documents may be required:

• Identity and address proof.
• Farmer registration or land-related records, where applicable.
• Bank account details.
• Caste or category certificate, where applicable.
• Registration documents for an FPO, cooperative, institution or SHG.
• Drone quotation and technical details.
• Other documents requested by the implementing authority.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. The actual documents required may vary based on the scheme and the applicant category.

Step 4: Select an Eligible Drone

Before finalising a purchase, the applicant should ensure that the intended drone fits within the specified requirements, including approved manufacturers/models and any applicable certification requirements.

Step 5: Submit the Application and Await Approval

The application and the necessary documents should be submitted as per the prescribed procedure of the relevant authority. In cases where prior sanction is required, the applicant should await approval before making the purchase.

Step 6: Complete Verification and Claim Assistance

The applicant should follow the instructions issued by the implementing authority with regard to the purchase and verification of the equipment and the release of the assistance.

Tip: Avoid relying on unofficial agents or assuming that an application guarantees a subsidy. Confirm the process directly with the relevant government department.

Agricultural Drone Insurance: Why Should Drone Owners Consider It?

A government subsidy can reduce the cost of purchasing an agricultural drone, but it does not eliminate the risks involved in ownership and operation. Agricultural drones carry the risk of accidental damage, theft, technical malfunction and incidents involving people and third-party property. For businesses and SHGs, the loss of a drone due to an incident can disrupt operations. Agricultural drone insurance can cover certain financial risks, depending on the terms of the policy.

Conclusion

Agricultural drone subsidies can make these devices more affordable, but the right scheme will depend on the applicant and the intended use of the equipment. SMAM provides assistance to individual farmers, organisations and institutions while Namo Drone Didi is open to selected women’s SHGs.

Before applying for a subsidy, a farmer should confirm the eligibility criteria, cost limits, application window and sanction process with the relevant authority. An applicant should also consider the training, safe operation and maintenance of the equipment and the cost of insurance when arriving at a decision regarding the purchase.