Indian Drones: Did you know the Indian government is taking bold steps to make drone technology more accessible and affordable to everyone—from farmers and students to tech startups and entrepreneurs? Through well-crafted policies, training programs, and financial subsidies, India is turning its skies into a platform for innovation and inclusive growth.
One of the key players in this transformation is Marut Drones, a Hyderabad-based drone tech company working at the intersection of agriculture, healthcare, and public safety with cutting-edge drone solutions.
India’s Drone Market: Poised for a Breakthrough
India’s drone sector is projected to grow from ₹60 crore in 2020-21 to an estimated ₹900 crore by 2025. That’s a 15x increase in just five years — fueled largely by supportive government initiatives.
So, how is this growth being achieved? The answer lies in India’s forward-looking policies and subsidy schemes that are accelerating drone adoption across sectors.
Government Schemes Driving Drone Growth
1. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
The PLI Scheme encourages domestic drone manufacturing by offering direct financial incentives to companies that produce drones and drone components in India.
- Budget Allocation: ₹120 crore
- Expected Private Investment: ₹5,000+ crore
- Incentive Duration: 3 years (2021–2024)
Companies like Marut Drones are beneficiaries of this shift toward “Make in India” drone solutions, contributing to self-reliance in drone technology and boosting exports.
2. Kisan Drone Scheme
Aimed at revolutionizing Indian agriculture, this scheme helps farmers adopt drone technology for crop monitoring, pesticide spraying, and soil analysis.
- For Individual Farmers: 50% subsidy up to ₹5 lakh
- For Farm Collectives: Higher subsidies for bulk purchases
- For Agricultural Institutions: 100% subsidy for demonstration purposes
Marut Drone Academy, a division of Marut Drones, provides hands-on drone training tailored for farmers and agri-professionals, making it easier to adopt these technologies effectively and safely.
3. Drone Didi (Namo Drone Didi) Scheme
To empower rural women, the Drone Didi scheme promotes training and entrepreneurship among women in the drone sector.
- Specialized Training Programs for women
- Financial Support to start drone service businesses
- Focus: Rural empowerment and self-help groups
Marut Drones has actively collaborated with government missions to train women across India in operating agricultural drones, helping them become certified drone service providers.
Who Can Benefit from These Schemes?
Farmers
- Subsidized access to high-end agri-drones
- Reduced costs for field monitoring and spraying
- Training via Marut Drone Academy
Companies and Startups
- Access to PLI incentives
- R&D support for building indigenous drone tech
- Collaboration opportunities with Marut Drones on real-world drone use cases
Women Entrepreneurs
- Priority access under Drone Didi scheme
- Skill development and income generation
- Institutional training and certification support
Real Success Stories from the Ground
Suresh Singh, Haryana (Farmer)
Used a ₹2 lakh drone purchased with a 50% subsidy. Within one crop cycle, he reduced input costs and increased yield, boosting his annual income by ₹3 lakh.
Priya Nair, Kerala (Entrepreneur)
Established a drone service company with the help of the Drone Didi initiative. Today, she employs over 15 people and supports hundreds of farmers.
DroneWorks India, Bengaluru (Startup)
Expanded operations through the PLI scheme and now exports drones to over 12 countries.
How You Can Leverage These Opportunities
If You’re a Farmer:
- Visit your nearest agriculture department office
- Ask about Kisan Drone subsidies
- Partner with certified training centers like Marut Drone Academy
If You’re an Entrepreneur:
- Apply for the PLI Scheme under the Ministry of Civil Aviation
- Register under Startup India
- Collaborate with R&D leaders such as Marut Drones
If You’re a Student:
- Explore drone piloting and UAS technology courses
- Look for scholarships and internship opportunities
- Join drone-focused innovation hubs and clubs
Why Is the Government Investing So Much in Drones?
National Security
Drones are critical in border surveillance, disaster response, and strategic operations.
Agricultural Transformation
Drones reduce labor costs, increase precision, and help small farmers compete more efficiently.
Economic Boost
The industry is generating thousands of jobs and attracting both domestic and international investments.
Tech Advancement
India is positioning itself as a global leader in drone manufacturing, services, and innovation.
Marut Drones: Pioneering India’s Drone Future
Founded with a mission to deliver high-impact drone solutions, Marut Drones is a trailblazer in:
- Agricultural spraying and analytics
- Health emergencies (e.g., mosquito control, vaccine delivery)
- Drone training and skilling through Marut Drone Academy
By working closely with government agencies, Marut Drones ensures their technology reaches the people who need it most — from farmers to frontline health workers.
Conclusion: The Sky is Not the Limit Anymore
India’s drone revolution is more than just about flying machines — it’s about creating real change. With strong policies, strategic subsidies, and industry partnerships, drone technology is becoming a tool of empowerment and progress.
Whether you are a student, a farmer, or an entrepreneur, now is the time to get involved. Government policies have opened the gates — and leaders like Marut Drones are building the runway.
