THE ROLE OF DRONE TECHNOLOGY IN ENHANCING COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND STABILITY IN THE SUGAR INDUSTRY

This paper investigates the contribution of drone technology in sugarcane cultivation in India, and examines the government’s role in promoting agricultural drone use. Drawing on the recent case studies, government schemes and pilot programmes, we found that drone‐based interventions (input spraying, crop monitoring, pest/disease management) enhance efficiency by reducing labour and chemical inputs, improving yield, and lowering environmental impacts. For example, under SMAM and the Kisan Drone Scheme, over 240 subsidised drones have been deployed, and individual farmers (including SC/ST, women and north-eastern states) receive up to 50% subsidy (₹ 4‑5 lakh). However, obstacles persist for smallholders: high upfront cost, lack of technical skills, regulatory complexity, limited connectivity and infrastructure. The paper recommends scaling through training, inclusive subsidy frameworks, community service models and regulatory clarity.