Centre to fund drone purchase by FPOs, farm R&D bodies, even individuals

In some cases, funding to cover full cost of a conventional drone

To promote the use of drones in agriculture, the Centre has, perhaps for the first time, decided to provide funding support to farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), krishi vigyan kendras, custom hiring centres (CHCs), and individuals for purchasing them.

According to the latest guidelines issued by the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanisation, for buying drones, the Central government will provide 100 per cent funding support of up to Rs 10 lakh to agriculture training institutes and krishi vigyan kendras, and 75 per cent funding support for drones purchased by FPOs.

That apart, the Centre will provide financial support of up to Rs 6,000 per hectare