Vijayawada:Centre has allotted to Andhra Pradesh 90 drones to Andhra Pradesh under Phase – 1 of “Namo Drone Didi Yojana” in 2024–25 for using them in farming.A state-level committee has decided to allocate these drones to progressive women self-help groups (SHGs) in various districts of the state under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission of the central Rural Development ministry.The women SHGs can purchase a drone along with accessories at 80 per cent subsidy. The self-help groups can take the remaining 20 per cent amount as loan under the National Agriculture Infra Financing Facility.One of the women members of the SHG will undergo the mandatory 15-day training as a drone pilot for applying nutrients and pesticides to crops.AP’s 90 drones are part of the 3,090 drones allotted recently to 29 states in India. The state government is planning to make its drones available through Custom Hiring Centres, along with other farm machinery, so that farmers can hire them. At present, farmers are renting drones for mainly spraying nano pesticides and micro-nutrients.A senior state-level agricultural official said, “Farmers can hire the drones for plant protection, just as they hire other farm machinery like harvesters.”Officials disclosed that farmers are increasingly using drones as they can save on money that they pay for engaging farm labourers. Labourers charge ₹1,500–2,000 per acre for spraying pesticide or fertilisers, while it costs ₹350–500 per hour to hire a drone and get spraying work done much quickly.East Godavari agriculture joint director Madhava Rao said farmers are showing interest in drones as they help save input costs.Some farmers are, however, complaining that the rotor blades of drones generate wind, which make well grown paddy fall to the ground level.
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