ICAR-led drone demonstrations under SMAM for precision agriculture (Kisan Drone demos)
ICAR and partner institutions ran 40,928 Kisan Drone demonstrations across 40,918 hectares under SMAM during 2023–24 to 2025–26.
AI generatedICAR has expanded Kisan Drone demonstrations under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) with financial support of ₹ 52.50 crore. The programme is aimed at promoting precision agriculture through field demonstrations rather than only through procurement incentives.
The current update is important because it gives concrete implementation data. During 2023–24 to 2025–26, ICAR, along with State Agricultural Universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), conducted 40,928 Kisan Drone demonstrations covering 40,918 hectares.
What the demonstrations were used for
UPSC may ask how subsidy-backed drone demonstrations can improve input efficiency, reduce labour dependence and scale precision agriculture, while also testing constraints such as training, safety, and viability for small and marginal farmers.
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