Use of Advanced Drone Technology (Agriculture Aircraft) in Agriculture Sector

Description
The "Use of Advanced Drone Technology Agriculture Aircraft in Agriculture Sector" introduced by the Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Cooperation Department, Gujarat, aims to promote the use of advanced drone technology for spraying crop protection chemicals, nano urea, FCO-approved liquid fertilizers, and bio-fertilizers. This technology increases efficiency, saves time and water, and reduces environmental pollution. Drones can spray 1 hectare in 20 minutes using 25 liters of water, ensuring 90% chemical efficiency and reducing pollution. The scheme offers 90% financial assistance up to ₹500/- per acre per spraying , with a limit of 5 acres per account.

Benefits
• <br>
• **Name of Scheme and Standard of assistance****Financial Provision(Rs. In lakh)****Implementing Agency/office**Use of advanced Drone technology (agriculture aircraft) in agriculture sector 1) 90% of the cost or a maximum of Rs. 500/- whichever is less will be admissible per acre/per spraying₹500.00/-IFFCO or Subsidiary Organisation/Co-operative Organisation/Farmers Producer Organization (FPO)/Farmer Producing Company (FPC) designated by IFFCOAssistance will be admissible to a maximum of five acres per spraying per account.₹500.00/-Directorate of Agriculture (through i-Khedut Portal)<br>

Eligibility Criteria
1. - The beneficiary should be land holder.
2. - The beneficiary farmer should have minimum 1 acre Agricultural land.
3. - The beneficiary farmer must have his own bank account (Bank passbook and cancelled check).
4. - The beneficiary must have Aadhar card as identity proof.
5. - The beneficiary must have a Certified bill of purchase of equipment/items.

Required Documents
• Aadhar Card (Mandatory).
• Land Ownership Documents (minimum 1 acre) (Mandatory).
• Bank Passbook and Cancelled Cheque (for financial transactions) (Mandatory).
• Certified Purchase Bill of Equipment/Items (Mandatory).
• Signed Online Application Form (from i-Khedut Portal) (Mandatory).
• Any other document if required.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the objective of the "Use of Advanced Drone Technology (Agriculture Aircraft) in Agriculture Sector" scheme?
A: The objective of the "the "Use of Advanced Drone Technology (Agriculture Aircraft) in Agriculture Sector" scheme is to promote modern agricultural practices by using advanced drone technology for spraying crop protection chemicals, nano urea, FCO-approved liquid fertilizers, and bio-fertilizers.

Q: Who is eligible for this scheme?
A: Any landholding farmer in Gujarat with at least 1 acre of agricultural land is eligible to apply for the scheme.

Q: What is the financial assistance provided under the scheme?
A: The scheme provides 90% of the cost or a maximum of [?]500/- per acre per spraying, with a limit of five acres per spraying per account.

Q: What are the benefits of using drone technology for spraying?
A: Drone spraying saves time and water, ensures 90% effective chemical use, reduces pollution, and addresses labor shortages in agriculture.

Q: Is there a limit on the number of acres a farmer can get assistance for?
A: Yes, financial assistance is provided for up to 5 acres per spraying per account.

Q: Do farmers need to purchase their own drones to avail of the scheme?
A: No, farmers can use drone spraying services provided by IFFCO, cooperative organizations, or Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

Q: How is the subsidy amount disbursed to the farmers?
A: The subsidy is credited directly to the farmer's bank account after approval and verification.

Q: How the assistance is provided to the farmer?
A: The District Agriculture Officer shall pay the assistance amount into the bank account of the applicant farmer beneficiary through ECS (Electronic Clearance Service)/RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement)/Account Pay Cheque/NEFT/PFMS

Q: What is the process to apply for this scheme?
A: Farmers can apply online through the i-Khedut portal (https://ikhedut.gujarat.gov.in/), print and sign the application, and keep it for further processing.