(GIST OF YOJANA) One Pacs One Drone

(July-2023)

A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that operates without a human pilot, crew, or passengers onboard and can be operated remotely or autonomously.
The Indian government’s initiatives to promote the manufacturing of drones and strengthen Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are paving the way for a brighter future for the rural economy.

Strengthening Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS):

The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced the liberalised Drone Rules 2021.
The rules aim to make India a global drone hub by 2030.
Easier and faster approvals for drone operations in India.
Creation of a drone promotion council to facilitate a regulatory environment for the drone industry.

The Central Government approved a PLI scheme worth Rs 120 crore for drones and components.
Aims to boost drone manufacturing in India and reduce import dependence.

The government is giving increasing focus to strengthen the cooperative movement nationwide.

Challenges in the agriculture sector: Low yield, soil erosion, lack of irrigation facilities, inefficient use of inputs, unscientific use of fertilizers, lack of post-harvest management, and limited access to financial services.
Potential of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies: Digital tech-based agriculture can unlock a value of $65 billion by 2025, with a significant impact on GDP.
Role of drones in agriculture: Drones offer solutions such as land mapping, agrochemical spraying, seeding, crop yield assessment, and drone-based analytics.
Benefits of agrochemical spraying with drones: Cost savings of 25-90% on inputs, 90% reduction in skin exposure, and improved crop yield.
Importance of mapping: Precision agriculture and the reduction of land disputes can be achieved through drone-based land mapping.
Low levels of farm mechanization in India: Northern states have adoption rates of 70-80%, but still lower compared to countries like China, Brazil, and the United States. Drones can help increase productivity and minimize input costs.
Pest control: Drones can effectively spray pesticides, fungicides, and liquid fertilizers to combat pest infestations and their impact on crops.
Support for farmers: Drones offer cost reduction and optimization of input use, with various applications like surveying, seeding, spraying, and pollination.

Multipurpose PACS establishment nationwide with one drone each
Grant of 75% of agricultural drone cost for PACS, similar to FPOs
Drones can transform Indian agriculture, increase GDP by 1-1.5%
Create 5 lakh new jobs and usher in a digital era of prosperity
Eligible rural entrepreneurs with pilot licenses can fly agricultural drones
Guidelines provide a net annual profit range of Rs 5 to 6 lakhs for PACS members.

The use of drones in the cooperative sector in India has the potential to revolutionize the rural economy. The government’s initiatives to promote the manufacturing of drones and strengthen PACS are steps in the right direction. With the right policies and investments, India can become a global leader in the drone industry and achieve its goal of ‘Sahakar se Samriddhi’.