Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Kerala Plans Drone Training to Modernise Agriculture and Raise Profits
Kerala wants to use newer technology to help farmers earn more money and grow more crops.
Agriculture Minister T Siddique said drones could watch crops, inspect fields and spray them.
The government plans to train farmers to fly drones safely and give them licenses.
The first phase will cover several districts, although the report gives different totals for the number of trainees.
Officials also plan to use artificial intelligence to reduce pesticide use and improve harvests.
They will prepare plans for drought and other climate problems.
Agricultural clubs will begin in 500 schools to encourage children to learn about farming.
The government will also support farm machinery services and provide more compensation when wild animals damage crops.
Agriculture Minister T Siddique said modern technology should improve profitability and production in Kerala’s agricultural sector.
The government will provide drone-piloting training and licenses to farmers through the Agriculture Department and Fuselage Flying Club.
The first phase targets about 20 participants each in Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Alappuzha and Kannur, although the report also refers to around 100 farmers overall.
Planned measures include agricultural uses of drones, artificial intelligence to reduce pesticide use, climate planning and mobile machinery service units.
The government allocated Rs 192 crore to increase compensation for farmers whose crops are damaged by wildlife.
- Who
- Kerala Agriculture Minister T Siddique, the Agriculture Department, Fuselage Flying Club and farmers.
- What
- A state programme to modernise agriculture through drone training, artificial intelligence, machinery services and other measures.
- When
- The announcement was made on Monday, September 14; the school agricultural clubs are planned for the next academic year.
- Where
- At the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation in Puthurvayal, Wayanad, Kerala, with initial training planned across six districts.
- Why
- To make agriculture more profitable and efficient, increase production, reduce pesticide use and support farmers facing climate and wildlife-related challenges.
- Programme
- Agricultural modernisation is being implemented under the Kerala government’s 100-day programme.
- Drone training
- Training and licensing will be provided through the Agriculture Department and Fuselage Flying Club.
- Initial districts
- Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Alappuzha and Kannur.
- Reported trainee totals
- The report says around 100 farmers overall, while also stating that about 20 people in each of six districts will receive licenses.
- Planned technology uses
- Drones may be used for crop monitoring, field assessment and spraying; artificial intelligence is planned to reduce pesticide use and increase yields.
- School programme
- Agricultural clubs are planned in 500 schools from the next academic year.
- Wildlife compensation
- Rs 192 crore has been allocated to increase compensation for crop damage caused by wildlife.