Pune: Agricultural drones are taking flight across Maharashtra as farmers increasingly swap traditional methods for high-tech precision farming. Spurred by govt subsidies, the technology is being rapidly adopted for crop monitoring and the precise spraying of fertilizers and pesticides.According to the state agriculture department, drones worth approximately Rs16 crore have already been purchased under various govt-supported schemes. This surge is largely driven by the central govt’s sub-mission on aAgricultural mechanisation (SMAM) and specific state-level initiatives aimed at modernising the sector and reducing dependence on manual labor.Experts point out that the efficiency gains are staggering. While traditional manual spraying can take hours or even days to cover a large farm, a single drone can complete the task in minutes, ensuring a more uniform application of chemicals and significantly improving productivity.“Farmers are becoming more aware of the benefits, and govt subsidies have made these machines much more affordable,” an agriculture department official said. Under current schemes, financial assistance is provided to individual farmers, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs, covering a significant portion of the upfront cost.The technology is also fostering a new service economy. “Beyond individual ownership, FPOs and agri-startups are offering drone services on a rental basis. This allows small and marginal farmers to access high-end technology without the heavy investment,” the official added.Data indicates that “drone service centers” are now emerging in rural areas, providing not just spraying services but also trained pilots and maintenance support. For the farmers, the benefits are two-fold: it saves on rising labour costs and improves health safety by reducing direct exposure to toxic pesticides.The demand shows no signs of slowing down. Hundreds of applications for financial assistance are currently being processed, and officials expect the number of operational agricultural drones in the state to surpass 600 in the coming months.Sanjay Kachole, district agriculture officer, Pune, noted that the technology is particularly vital in regions facing workforce crisis. “In districts like Pune, the scarcity of farm labour has become a major concern. In this context, drones are a massive help. We are already seeing extensive use in several pockets of the district, and we expect it to become an integral part of modern farming across the state,” he said.
