Drone empanelment in tune with AP’s agro-climatic needs

The drone empanelment process in Andhra Pradesh has been meticulously designed to match the State’s agro-climatic requirements, ensuring that only suitable and DGCA-compliant drones are deployed for agricultural use, official sources clarified.
Sources said “Every state must assess drones based on their specific agricultural conditions. Andhra Pradesh has ensured that only drones meeting technical and environmental criteria are empanelled, ensuring cost-effective and efficient services for farmers.”
In collaboration with Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), which holds India’s first agricultural Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO), the State government has developed crop-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) tailored to the agro-climatic zones of the state. These SOPs guide the evaluation of drones to ensure optimal pesticide spraying efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
Sources pointed out that the Department of Agriculture took a structured approach by constituting a technical testing committee, which assessed DGCA-certified drones for their suitability in Andhra Pradesh’s farming conditions.  
The results were presented before the State Level Technical Committee (SLTC) for final selection, ensuring that empanelled drones met both performance standards and insurance eligibility for farmers.
Despite the structured selection process, the empanelment has faced criticism from non-compliant drone vendors. Among them, Drogo Drones was at the centre of controversy, with allegations that its product was selected without meeting the mandatory ‘Detect and Avoid’ capability.
Official Sources, however, refuted these claims. “Drogo Drones voluntarily withdrew from the process after acknowledging that they lacked the required sensor systems. Their Krishi 2.0 model was never selected,” sources said
To maintain transparency, the government has allowed non-compliant companies to upgrade their models and participate in future evaluations. However, officials have condemned vendors who have attempted to discredit the empanelment process by spreading misinformation and threatening to involve opposition parties.
“The empanelment process has been conducted with full transparency and scientific rigour. The aim is to provide farmers with reliable and affordable drone technology while maintaining regulatory compliance,” sources said
Sources said, “Andhra Pradesh model is now being looked at as a benchmark for other states seeking to develop a scientific and policy-driven approach to agricultural drone deployment. By integrating regulatory compliance, technical validation, and cost-effectiveness, the initiative is set to redefine modern farming practices while ensuring long-term sustainability”