Infusion of Technologies in Agricultural Sector

Subject: Economy

Section: Agriculture

Context: Govt to provide financial assistance for drone purchase by custom hiring centres.

Concept:

Steps were taken by the Centre to support State Govts via various schemes including the use of drones in agriculture and make drone technology affordable to farmers and other stakeholders of this sector.
75% grants for FPOs are provided for purchase of drone for its demonstration on the farmers’ fields.
Financial assistance at 40% of the basic cost of drone and its attachments or Rs. 4 lakhs, whichever is less, is also provided for drone purchase by existing and new Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) under cooperative society of farmers, FPOs and rural entrepreneurs. This will enhance agricultural services through drone application.
Moreover, agricultural graduates establishing CHCs are eligible to receive financial assistance at 50% of the cost of the drone up to a maximum Rs. 5 lakhs.
Besides, the Govt is implementing the National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A).

Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) Advantages:

Provides access to small and marginal farmers to costly farm machinery
Facilitates timeliness in farm operations and efficient use of inputs
Promotes adoption of climate resilient practices and technologies by farmers because of availability of appropriate machines at reasonable hiring charges
Reduction in cost of cultivation
Provides work opportunities to skilled labour and small artisans