Introduction: The Rise of Agri-Drones in India
The Indian agriculture sector, known for its deep-rooted traditions, is undergoing a tech revolution. At the heart of this change is the rise of agriculture drones in India—also known as Krishi drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles are not just flying machines; they represent a future where data-driven farming, precision spraying, and smarter monitoring replace guesswork and manual labor.
With increasing support from the government and a growing pool of startups, agri-drones are making advanced farming accessible even to small and medium-scale farmers across rural India.
Key Applications of Krishi Drones
Agri-drones are now being used in various stages of crop production and monitoring. Here are some of the most impactful use-cases:
- Crop Spraying: Drones can evenly spray fertilizers, pesticides, or micronutrients, saving time and reducing health risks for farmers. Some drones spray up to 6 acres/hour.
- Soil Health Monitoring: Drones equipped with thermal or multispectral cameras assess moisture levels and detect nutrient deficiencies.
- Yield Estimation: Based on aerial imagery, farmers can get real-time crop health data, enabling better yield prediction and harvest planning.
- Planting & Seeding (Experimental): Some high-end drones are being tested for dropping seed balls directly into prepared soil.
These functions not only increase efficiency but also reduce resource usage and environmental impact.
Case Study: A Small Farm in Maharashtra Using Krishi Drones
In Sangli district, Maharashtra, a sugarcane farmer named Ravindra Patil adopted drone spraying on his 5-acre farm through a local drone service provider. He found that one drone pilot completed the pesticide spraying that would usually take two workers an entire day—in just 45 minutes.
His input cost dropped by 25%, and uniform application led to visibly healthier crop yield. Inspired, he is now considering purchasing a Krishi drone with help from government schemes.
This story is being repeated across Punjab, Telangana, and Karnataka, where drone service hubs are reaching smaller farms.
DGCA Regulations for Agri-Drone Use
Operating drones for agriculture in India is governed by the DGCA’s RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) guidelines.
- Remote Pilot License (RPL): Mandatory for drones above 2kg. Training must be done from a DGCA-authorized Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO).
- UIN (Unique Identification Number): Drones must be registered with DGCA via the Digital Sky platform.
- No Permission, No Takeoff (NPNT): All drones must have software that complies with NPNT and geofencing rules.
- Max Altitude: Usually 120 meters unless special clearance is granted.
However, micro drones under 2kg used for private spraying in rural areas are often granted relaxed regulations.
Indian Agri-Drone Manufacturers
India is now home to several startups producing high-quality Krishi drones:
- Garuda Aerospace (Chennai): Offers drones for spraying, surveying, and crop health analysis. Their drones are DGCA-approved and used in over 20 states.
- IoTechWorld Avigation (Gurgaon): DGCA-certified and backed by government recognition. Offers Krishi drones with advanced GPS, RTK, and autonomous flight systems.
- Marut Drones (Hyderabad): Focuses on healthcare and agriculture drones, known for AI-powered agri-analytics.
These companies not only manufacture drones but also provide training, repair, and field support.
Pricing & Availability of Krishi Drones in India
- Entry-level spraying drone (10L capacity): ₹3.5 to ₹5.5 lakhs
- Advanced RTK drone (16L capacity, multi-crop use): ₹6.5 to ₹8.5 lakhs
- Drone-as-a-service (pay per acre): ₹150–₹300 per acre depending on the region
Krishi drones can be purchased directly from manufacturers or through agri-tech dealerships. Many startups offer EMI-based payment plans and on-ground service support.
Government Subsidies & Drone Yojanas
The Government of India has launched multiple schemes to promote agri-drone usage:
- Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM): Up to 50–75% subsidy on drone purchase for Custom Hiring Centers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
- Drone Yatra: Awareness programs conducted in rural belts to promote drone adoption
- Digital Sky Portal: Central platform for drone registration and airspace permission
Additionally, agri-startups can access funding under Agri Infra Fund and other state-level drone initiatives.
Future Scope & Startups to Watch
The agri-drone ecosystem in India is booming:
- Drone-as-a-service models are emerging across UP, Bihar, and MP
- AI-integrated drones for crop disease detection are being tested
- Startups like General Aeronautics and Dhaksha Unmanned Systems are gaining traction
- Integration with PM Kisan data, soil health cards, and IoT-based farming tools is underway
With falling hardware costs, rising digital literacy among farmers, and structured policy frameworks, the adoption of Krishi drones is only expected to grow.
Final Thoughts
From sugarcane fields in Maharashtra to paddy plots in Tamil Nadu, agriculture drones in India are empowering farmers with data, precision, and speed. As both a product and a service, drone farming in India holds promise for revolutionizing agri-efficiency.
With the right training, access, and policy backing, Krishi drones are poised to become the next big leap in Indian agriculture.
Curious about where to buy Krishi drones or how to get a license? Join discussions and find resources on FPVDronesIndia.com — India’s growing drone community.