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AI and drone technologies gain ground in Indian agriculture to boost productivity
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Monday, 22 December, 2025, 14 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is actively advancing the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drone technologies across the agricultural sector to improve crop yields, enhance sustainability and support farmer incomes. These digital and precision tools are being promoted through multiple schemes and state-level initiatives, aiming to modernise farming practices and tackle prevailing challenges in production and crop management.
One of the flagship tech tools is “Kisan e-Mitra”, a voice-based AI chatbot that assists farmers with queries on major schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Fasal Bima Yojana and Kisan Credit Card. The solution supports 11 regional languages and handles over 8,000 farmer queries daily, having already addressed more than 93 lakh queries so far.
In crop protection, the national pest surveillance system leverages AI and machine learning to detect pest infestations and prompt timely interventions. The system supports field workers in identifying pest issues across dozens of crops and pest types, enabling faster action to reduce crop losses through early warnings.
Collaborative pilots with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and development partners used AI-assisted local monsoon onset forecasts during the kharif season in 13 states. These forecasts were communicated via the M-Kisan portal to over 3.88 crore farmers in multiple languages, helping many adjust sowing decisions, including timing and crop choices.
Under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), individual small and marginal farmers, particularly women, can receive up to 50 % subsidy (up to ?5 lakh) to purchase drones. In addition, Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) are being supported to provide drone and advanced machinery rentals to farmers who cannot afford direct ownership. Between 2023–24 and 2025–26, over 2,100 drones have been approved for distribution to farmers and CHCs.
The NAMO DRONE DIDI scheme further aims to empower women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing drones for sustainable livelihoods. Early studies show that access to drones expands agricultural activities and improves operational efficiency among SHGs.
Meanwhile, ICAR institutions, SAUs and Krishi Vigyan Kendras are advancing drone adoption with field demonstrations across more than 41,000 hectares, benefitting over 4.5 lakh farmers.
These initiatives reflect a broader push towards precision farming, climate-smart agriculture and technology-enabled crop management designed to strengthen productivity and socio-economic outcomes for farmers nationwide.
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