The Indian government is developing a large-scale initiative to deploy approximately 6.4 million drones across 640,000 villages to modernize agricultural practices, particularly in fertilizer application. Under this plan, each village will receive 10 drones, enabling precise and efficient spraying, which is expected to reduce input costs, minimize environmental impact, and improve soil health. The initiative aligns with India’s goal of promoting precision farming and addressing labor shortages in the agricultural sector.

The drones will be distributed through local panchayats (village councils), allowing farmers to access them at minimal rental charges. The Ministry of Civil Aviation will oversee the manufacturing and regulatory compliance of the drones to ensure safe and efficient usage. This initiative is part of India’s broader effort to integrate advanced technologies into farming, boosting productivity and sustainability while enhancing food security for the nation.

Link: https://www.livemint.com/industry/agriculture/centre-plans-6-4-million-drones-for-fertilizer-spraying-across-6-lakh-villages-11738839700657.html