Madhya Pradesh is positioning itself as a leader in drone manufacturing by unveiling a comprehensive drone policy aimed at enhancing the production and application of drones across various sectors, including agriculture, logistics, security, and governance. The state cabinet has approved the Madhya Pradesh Drone Promotion and Utilization Policy 2025, which reflects the government’s commitment to establishing the state as a global hub for drone technology.
Government Support for Drone Manufacturing
The new policy emphasizes boosting drone manufacturing and assembly, offering substantial benefits like grants and tax incentives to manufacturers. The government is committed to providing a capital investment grant of 40% for new investments up to ₹30 crores, along with a 25% lease rental assistance for three years, capped at ₹5 lakhs annually. Additionally, ₹2 crores will be allocated for research and development grants in identified sectors.
Incentives for Skill Development and Industrial Use
To promote skill development in the drone sector, the Chief Minister’s Learn and Earn Scheme (MMSKAY) will offer an incentive of ₹8,000 per month for a duration of six months. Industrial land leased by businesses will benefit from a 100% stamp duty and registration fee exemption. The policy also includes provisions for capital assistance for testing, calibration, and certification, allowing up to ₹20 lakhs annually for operational needs.
| Incentive | Amount |
|---|---|
| Capital Investment Grant | 40% up to ₹30 crores |
| Lease Rental Assistance | 25% for 3 years (max ₹5 lakhs/year) |
| R&D Grant | ₹2 crores for identified sectors |
| Incentive for Skill Development | ₹8,000/month for 6 months |
Future Investments and Job Creation
The Madhya Pradesh government aims to attract an investment of ₹370 crores in the drone sector over the next five years, which is expected to create approximately 8,000 jobs—2,200 directly and 6,600 indirectly. The global drone market is projected to grow from USD 71 billion in 2022 to USD 144 billion by 2030, while the Indian market is anticipated to surge from USD 2.71 billion to USD 13 billion during the same period.
Applications of Drones across Multiple Sectors
Drones are revolutionizing several industries, including agriculture, defense, logistics, and infrastructure development. An impressive 90% of Indian airspace has been designated as a green zone for drone operations, promoting economic development, job creation, and better service delivery in both urban and rural regions.
Enhancing Efficiency and Innovation
Madhya Pradesh is keen on leveraging drone technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and foster innovation, establishing itself as a key player in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. Drones can play a crucial role in precision agriculture by monitoring crops and applying pesticides and fertilizers, ultimately enhancing productivity.
Integrating Drones for Public Safety and Infrastructure Monitoring
Moreover, drones can enhance surveillance in various applications, including traffic monitoring, disaster management, and crowd control. The Madhya Pradesh government plans to integrate drones into public safety frameworks for swift responses during emergencies, thereby ensuring better preparedness and resource allocation.