Drone-spraying scheme yet to take off in state | Nagpur News

AGRI-DRONE: NO CLEAR POLICY

Nagpur: After Centre’s approval to spraying of pesticides through drones, the Maharashtra government is yet to come up with a policy. The state government is waiting for some clarifications before allowing subsidies under the Centre-approved scheme for drone purchase.
Farmer producer organisations (FPOs) can get a subsidy up to Rs7.5 lakh for purchase of a drone. The state has to pay up to 40% of the cost, said a source.
Sources said the annual action plan of the department is yet to approved. It would depend on the amount that is finally approved under it. Normally the amount that is sanctioned is less than what is proposed. The scheme may be implemented once the picture is clear about availability of funds .
Meanwhile, in the entire Vidarbha region, around a dozen FPOs have applied for the subsidy. Sources said the scheme is not being publicized much till a clear policy is put in place.
The scheme also calls for only allowing drones that are approved…