April 2023, India Made in India Drone Startup Garuda Aerospace, has become the first company to receive Agri Drone Subsidy for their agricultural drones. This subsidy is part of the Indian government’s efforts to promote the use of agricultural drones. Garuda Kisan Drones were given to 8 farmers under the Agri-drone subsidy at an event held in Pune. Drone distributors across Maharashtra were present at the event.
DGCA-approved Garuda Kisan drones have the potential to transform the way farmers manage and monitor crop health, and detect and identify areas that require water or fertilizer. They can also be used to spray pesticides and fertilizers on crops, cutting down on manual labour and increasing efficiency. Garuda Aerospace will expand its operations and make Garuda Kisan drones more accessible to farmers in India as a result of this subsidy. This subsidy is just one of many initiatives launched by the government of India to support the development of India’s drone industry. This will benefit farmers not only by making their jobs easier and more efficient, but it will also help to increase agricultural productivity and reduce food waste.
Under SMAM Garuda Aerospace along FMTTIs, ICAR institutions, KVKs, and SAUs have helped farmers receive 100% grant-in-aid for the purchase of agricultural drones and attachments, up to a maximum of Rs. 10.00 lakhs. This financial assistance allowed these institutions to use Garuda Kisan drones to conduct demonstrations on farmers’ fields. FPOs received a 75% grant-in-aid for the purchase of agricultural drones and attachments for demonstrations on farmer’s fields. This initiative aimed at encouraging the use of agricultural drones in India, to benefit small-scale farmers. The government encourages the adoption of this technology and helps farmers to improve their yields and reduce costs.
Speaking on the initiative Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, of Garuda Aerospace said “We are thrilled to be the first company to receive this subsidy for our agricultural drones. Our drones have already proven to be a game changer in the agriculture sector, and this subsidy will enable us to reach even more farmers throughout India. Drones in agriculture are still in their early stages in India, our vision is to transform and promote the use of drone technology in the agriculture sector.”
“We congratulate Garuda Aerospace for becoming the first drone company to avail the Agri Drone Subsidy for 8 farmers who have chosen to purchase DGCA-approved Type Certified Garuda Kisan Drone. Your innovative technologies and solutions have effectively assisted and benefited numerous farmers across Maharashtra and the country. Your commitment to improving crop yield, reducing crop damage, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices has positively impacted the entire farming community,” said Mr. Vishnu Salve, Director of the Maharashtra State Agriculture Department.
Mr. Rushikesh Raut, Farmer said “On behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Maharashtra, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Garuda Aerospace. We appreciate your dedication to using DGCA-approved Type Certified drones and DGCA-approved RPTO expertise to assist farmers in enhancing our crop yield and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Your efforts are critical to our nation’s food security and economic growth, and we applaud your commitment to supporting the farming community”
The Agri Drone Subsidy is a significant step forward for Garuda Aerospace and the drone industry as a whole. Garuda Aerospace, with government support, has the potential to significantly impact the agricultural sector and help India become a leader in drone technology. Garuda Aerospace is excited to continue its mission of driving agricultural innovation and empowering farmers with cutting-edge technology.