Patna, September 14 (Daily Kiran) : Bihar is embarking on an ambitious initiative to deploy agricultural drones across 285,160 acres for crop spraying. This program, part of the Prime Minister‘s National Agricultural Development Scheme for the financial year 2026-27, falls under the fourth agricultural roadmap and has been allocated a budget of ₹11.81 crore. The initiative will be implemented across all 38 districts of the state.
Agriculture Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha emphasized the need to blend traditional farming methods with modern technology. He noted that drones will enable faster and more efficient spraying over large areas, thus saving farmers both time and labor. This approach aims to enhance crop management, boost productivity, and increase farmers’ incomes. Sinha described the introduction of drones as a significant step towards creating a smart and technology-driven agricultural framework.
Farmers registered on the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) portal will be eligible for this program. They can apply online from anywhere, with each farmer entitled to subsidized spraying for up to 15 acres per season. A maximum of two sprayings per crop or season will be permitted.
The drones will be used to spray pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, plant growth regulators, and various liquid fertilizers based on the crop’s condition and pest or weed infestations. The department is prioritizing integrated pest management and emphasizes using chemical pesticides as a last resort. Pesticides and fungicides will only be applied when pest levels reach economic damage thresholds. Additionally, liquid fertilizers and micronutrients can be sprayed in accordance with the crop’s growth stage.
Farmers will receive subsidies for the spraying of bio-pesticides, chemical pesticides, herbicides, and liquid nutrients based on established guidelines. They can submit separate applications as needed for pest, disease, and weed control, as well as for liquid nutrient spraying.
So far, 24,789 acres in the state have already benefited from drone spraying. The agriculture department is actively working to ensure the effective implementation of this program in all districts and to maximize its benefits for farmers. Farmers are encouraged to apply through the DBT portal to take advantage of this innovative initiative.
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