New Delhi: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar said that funds amounting to Rs 126.99 crore have been released towards Kisan Drone promotion based on the proposals received so far. The use of Kisan Drones has a potential to provide ample opportunities of employment to people in rural areas.

In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Tomar said this includes Rs 52.50 crore released to the ICAR for purchase of 300 Kisan Drones and organizing their demonstrations on the farmers’ fields in 75000 hectares through 100 KVKs, 75 ICAR institutions and 25 SAUs. It also includes funds released to various state governments for supply of more than 300 Kisan Drone to farmers on subsidy and establishment of more than 1500 Kisan Drone CHCs to provide drone services to the farmers.

Tomar informed that the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) is promoting adoption of Kisan Drones by the farmers. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which provide concise instructions for effective and safe operations of drones for pesticide and nutrient application have been released. /BI/