Quick answer
To buy an agriculture drone with subsidy, first confirm your eligibility and the current scheme guidelines with your state agriculture department, apply through the official portal or office, wait for written sanction, then buy an eligible model from an approved supplier (if the scheme requires it), and submit the bill and documents for the claim. Do not buy before approval unless the guidelines clearly allow it.
Key takeaways
- Eligibility, amounts and approved suppliers are set by official guidelines.
- Never purchase before written approval unless the scheme permits it.
- Keep every document — application, sanction letter, invoice, registration.
- No dealer can guarantee a subsidy.
The right order of steps
1. Confirm eligibility
Schemes usually target specific groups — FPOs, cooperatives, Custom Hiring Centres, institutions, women's SHGs or individual farmers in some categories. Check the current guidelines for your state.
2. Apply officially
Apply through the official portal or office within the application window, with complete documents.
3. Wait for written sanction
Approval or sanction should be in writing. Keep it safely.
4. Choose an eligible model and supplier
Some schemes require a certified model or an empanelled supplier. Confirm before ordering.
5. Purchase, register and verify
Buy with a proper invoice, register the drone on Digital Sky (opens in a new window) and complete any physical verification the department requires.
6. Submit the claim
Submit the invoice and documents as instructed to release the subsidy.
Documents usually needed
- Identity and address proof of the applicant or organisation
- Registration documents for FPOs, cooperatives or CHCs
- Bank account details
- Land records where required
- Category certificate if applicable
- Quotation, invoice and drone registration (UIN) after purchase
Mistakes that cost buyers their subsidy
- Buying the drone before receiving sanction
- Choosing a model or supplier that is not eligible under the scheme
- Missing the application window
- Incomplete or mismatched documents
- Trusting someone who promises a “guaranteed subsidy” for a fee
Our role
We can explain general steps, help you plan which drone suits your work and share quotations. We do not decide eligibility and cannot guarantee any subsidy. [Add details once your eligibility/empanelment is confirmed.]
Planning beyond the subsidy
Subsidy reduces the purchase cost, but running costs remain — batteries, spares, pilot, insurance and transport. Make a simple plan of how many acres the drone will cover each season and how you will earn from it or save costs. A drone that sits idle is expensive even with a subsidy.
Who usually qualifies for drone scheme support
| Group | Typical purpose |
|---|---|
| Agricultural institutions, KVKs, universities | Demonstrations for farmers |
| FPOs and cooperatives | Shared services for members |
| Custom Hiring Centres | Renting drones and services to farmers |
| Agri-graduates and rural entrepreneurs | Starting drone service businesses |
| Women's self-help groups | Drone services through specific initiatives |
How to prepare a strong application
- Read the latest guidelines fully before applying
- Prepare all documents in advance and check names match everywhere
- Keep a clear plan for how the drone will be used
- Get a proper quotation for an eligible model
- Submit within the window and keep acknowledgement receipts
After you receive the drone
Once the drone is purchased under a scheme, the department may inspect it, check registration and require you to keep it for a minimum period or use it for specific purposes. Keep the drone's records, invoices and usage logs organised. Selling or transferring a subsidised drone may be restricted, so read the conditions carefully before making any changes.
Spotting subsidy fraud
Fraudsters sometimes target drone buyers with fake portals, fake sanction letters or demands for “processing fees”. Government departments publish official websites and contact numbers. Never pay an individual to secure approval, never share OTPs or bank passwords, and verify every letter with the issuing office directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a drone first and claim subsidy later?
Usually not. Most schemes require approval before purchase. Check the guidelines before buying.
Who is eligible for a drone subsidy?
It depends on the scheme — often FPOs, cooperatives, CHCs, institutions, women's SHGs and some categories of farmers. Check with your state agriculture department.
How much subsidy is available on agriculture drones?
Amounts and percentages are set in official guidelines and can change. Confirm the current figures with the official source.
Do I have to buy from an approved supplier?
Some schemes require empanelled suppliers or certified models. Confirm before ordering.
Can a dealer guarantee my subsidy?
No. Only the relevant government department decides. Be cautious of anyone promising a guaranteed subsidy.
Can you help me with the process?
We can explain general steps and help with drone selection and quotations. Call 8282802150.
Where do I apply for a drone subsidy?
Through your state agriculture department's portal or office, or the central farm mechanisation portal where applicable. Check which applies to your scheme.
Can I sell a drone bought with subsidy?
Schemes often restrict sale or transfer for a period. Check the conditions in your sanction letter and guidelines.
How long does subsidy approval take?
It varies by state, scheme and application volume. Ask the department about expected timelines and track your application status regularly.
About this guide
- Written by
- Kisan Drone team, Noida. We work with farmers, FPOs and drone operators on spraying, buying and training questions.
- Reviewed by
- Mohit Singh, Drone Operator — 10 years of drone-spraying experience
- Last updated
How we write
We do not publish invented prices, subsidy amounts, yields or reviews. Rules and schemes are checked against official sources, and anything that depends on your crop, product or location is marked as such. Found an error? Email enquiry@kisandrone.co.in.