Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: Minister of Agriculture Ravi Naik has answered inquiries concerning drone farming’s advantages and the government’s assistance to farmers in great detail. Reginaldo, a Curtorim MLA, posed the queries.
Minister Naik outlined a number of benefits that drone farming offers over conventional and automated techniques. Precision application of pesticides and fertilizers by drones minimizes environmental impact and uses fewer chemicals.
By enabling farmers to operate remotely and lowering their exposure to dangerous chemicals, they also enhance health and safety. Drones also save time by covering large areas faster than traditional methods, and they also contribute to cost savings by using less fuel, labor, and chemicals.
Naik outlined the different financial aid programs that farmers can use to buy drones. Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women farmers, and small and marginal farmers are eligible for a maximum subsidy of Rs 4 lakhs from the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), which offers up to 40% of the drone’s base price. Up to 10% of the base price is provided under the Promotion of Mechanization in Agriculture-State Sector Scheme (SSS), with a maximum subsidy of Rs 1 lakh.
Furthermore, women’s self-help groups (SHGs) can receive central financial assistance of up to 80% of the drone’s cost, or up to Rs 8 lakhs, through the NAMO DRONE DIDI scheme. Basic models of agricultural drones range in price from Rs 7.50 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs, while advanced models start at Rs 15 lakhs.
Several villages in the Salcete taluka, including Navelim, Chinchinim, and Cavellossim, are currently using drones. The Goa government has started programs to advance drone technology. One such program is the Drone Yatra Initiative, which works with Garuda Aerospace to train and inform farmers about the advantages of drones.
In addition to the central 40% assistance, the government has also added a 10% subsidy, for a total of 50% financial support up to Rs 5 lakhs. In addition, the Goa Drone Policy, 2022 seeks to establish Goa as a center for drone research and production, bolstering local jobs and agriculture via training.
