After tractors and farm equipment, drones are now transforming the way farming is done in India by offering solutions to several challenges faced by farmers today. 

With a fleet of about 7,000 drones deployed in this sector, the Indian agricultural drone market, currently valued at $145.4 million, is expected to reach $631.4 million by 2030, growing at CAGR of 28.1%, said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace, a key player in this segment.

He said the factors that are fueling this growth include labour shortage for spraying pesticides and applying fertilisers, precision and efficiency by drones in such activities at far low cost, Government support in promoting drone adoption through subsidies, loans, and training programs and increased awareness.

“The Indian agricultural drone market is poised for explosive growth. Drones are set to become an indispensable tool for Indian farmers, ensuring a more efficient, sustainable, and profitable agriculture in the future,” Mr Jayaprakash said. 

“With over 10 lakh flight hours, 2,500 drones sold, and 6 DGCA approvals, Garuda Aerospace leads the nation in drone utilisation, particularly in agriculture. We have captured a substantial market share of 25-30% in physical drones and 45-50% in drone services with our Drone as a Service (DAAS) Model,” he said.

“Our focus on indigenisation, affordable drone solutions, securing government subsidies, and partnerships with global giants like Lockheed Martin and Thales has helped. We are positioned as a key player in shaping the future of drone technology in India and beyond,” he added.

It is believed that drone adoption in Indian agriculture will reach 80% from about 1% now within the next 5-7 years. The tractors took about 20 years to reach a penetration level of 80%. 

Currently, the market is dominated by 35-40 drone companies and the total fleet expected to reach 6-7 lakh drones by 2030-31. This is expected to create significant opportunities for drone manufacturers, service providers, and farmers alike, Mr Jayaprakash said.

The states with the highest adoption of agricultural drones in India are Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. 

These states have fertile agricultural lands, progressive farmer communities, and supportive government policies, making them ideal for drone adoption. While states like Haryana and Punjab have strong agricultural bases, their drone adoption is still in nascent stage.

Agricultural drones typically cost between Rs 4-5 lakh and have a payload capacity of around 8-10 litres. This makes them a viable option for many farmers, especially considering the cost savings associated with their use.