Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme is a flagship initiative announced by the Government of Tamil Nadu under the Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget 2026-27 to promote drone-based farming and create new livelihood opportunities in the agriculture sector. The scheme provides free drone pilot training to 500 candidates, including 100 women, and offers a 50% subsidy on the purchase of agricultural drones for 50 trained women beneficiaries. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare with technical training provided by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
Tamil Nadu Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme Key Details at a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme |
| Announced By | R. Vinoth, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Announcement Date | 6 August 2026 |
| Announced Under | Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget 2026-27 |
| Implementing Department | Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Training Partner | Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University |
| Objective | Promote agricultural drone adoption and develop certified drone pilots for modern farming |
| Training Capacity | 500 candidates, including 100 women |
| Drone Subsidy | 50% subsidy for 50 trained women beneficiaries |
| Total Budget Allocation | ₹4 crore |
| Training & Certification Budget | ₹1.50 crore |
| Drone Subsidy Budget | ₹2.50 crore |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Mode of Application | Detailed application guidelines yet to be notified |
| Official Portal | Tamil Nadu Agrisnet Portal |
Introduction of Tamil Nadu Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme: A Brief Insight
The Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme is a flagship initiative announced by the Government of Tamil Nadu in the Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget 2026-27 to promote the use of drone technology in agriculture while creating new livelihood opportunities for rural women. The scheme combines free drone pilot training with financial support for purchasing agricultural drones, enabling trained women to adopt modern farming technologies and provide drone-based services to farmers across the state.
The scheme was announced by the Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on 6 August 2026 during the presentation of the Agriculture Budget. It focuses on improving agricultural productivity by encouraging the scientific use of drones for activities such as crop spraying, crop monitoring, nutrient application, and other precision farming operations. At the same time, it aims to equip rural youth and women with specialised technical skills that can generate additional income beyond conventional farming.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing the scheme, while the Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University will conduct the certified drone pilot training. Candidates who successfully complete the programme receive an official Remote Pilot Certificate, allowing them to legally operate agricultural drones under the applicable regulations.
For the implementation of the Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme, the Government has earmarked a total budget of ₹4 crore. Out of this, ₹1.50 crore has been allocated to provide free drone pilot training and certification to 500 candidates, including 100 women. Another ₹2.50 crore has been set aside to provide a 50% subsidy on the purchase of agricultural drones for 50 trained women beneficiaries, helping them adopt drone technology at a significantly reduced cost.
To participate in the training programme, applicants must fulfil the eligibility conditions prescribed by the Government, including the minimum age requirement and other notified criteria. However, the drone purchase subsidy is available only to women candidates who successfully complete the training and obtain the required Remote Pilot Certificate.
At present, the Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme has been announced through the Agriculture Budget, and the detailed operational guidelines are yet to be issued. After the Government releases the implementation framework, eligible candidates will be able to submit their applications through the Tamil Nadu Agrisnet Portal or any other platform notified by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Farmers and women interested in agricultural mechanisation may also find our detailed guides on the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, which supports Women Self-Help Groups with agricultural drones, the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, which provides income support to eligible farmer families, and the List of All Tamil Nadu Government Welfare Schemes, where you can explore the latest schemes launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries
The Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme combines free drone pilot training with financial assistance for purchasing agricultural drones, enabling farmers to adopt modern drone technology and improve farming efficiency.
Financial Assistance Under the Scheme
- The Government of Tamil Nadu has allocated a total budget of ₹4 crore for implementing the scheme.
- ₹1.50 crore has been earmarked to provide free drone pilot training and Remote Pilot Certification to 500 candidates, including 100 women.
- ₹2.50 crore has been allocated to provide a 50% subsidy on the purchase of agricultural drones for 50 trained women beneficiaries.
- Eligible women beneficiaries can purchase an agricultural drone by paying only half of its cost, while the remaining amount is borne by the Government through the subsidy.
Other Benefits
- Selected candidates receive free professional training at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO).
- Successful trainees are awarded a valid Remote Pilot Certificate, allowing them to legally operate agricultural drones.
- The scheme develops a dedicated Vaanmagal Force of trained women drone pilots, creating new livelihood opportunities in the agriculture sector.
- Agricultural drones help improve crop spraying, crop monitoring, and farm operations while reducing manual labour and saving time.
Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled
Applicants must fulfil the eligibility conditions prescribed under the Tamil Nadu Government’s Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme. The requirements differ for the drone pilot training component and the agricultural drone subsidy component.
Who Can Apply for Drone Pilot Training
- The applicant must be a resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Both men and women are eligible to apply. The training programme covers 500 candidates, including 100 women.
- The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
- The applicant should be engaged in agriculture, farming, or a related rural occupation.
- The applicant must have a valid Aadhaar Card and an active bank account.
Who Can Apply for the Agricultural Drone Subsidy
- Only women candidates who successfully complete the drone pilot training and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) are eligible.
- The subsidy is available to 50 trained women beneficiaries selected under the scheme.
- The subsidised agricultural drone must be used for approved farming activities such as crop spraying, crop monitoring, and other agricultural operations.
Documents Required to be Attached
Applicants applying under the Tamil Nadu Agricultural Drone Scheme should submit the prescribed documents based on whether they are enrolling for drone pilot training or applying for the agricultural drone subsidy. Providing complete and valid documents helps avoid delays during verification.
Documents for Drone Pilot Training Enrolment
- Aadhaar Card as identity proof.
- Voter ID Card or Ration Card as proof of residence in Tamil Nadu.
- 10th Standard Mark Sheet or an equivalent educational qualification certificate.
- Birth Certificate or any other valid age proof showing the applicant is at least 18 years old.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Bank Passbook copy with an Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Mobile number linked with Aadhaar for registration and OTP verification.
Documents for the Agricultural Drone Subsidy
- Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO).
- Proof of active involvement in farming, such as a Chitta, Adangal extract, or a certificate issued by the local Agriculture Department.
- Quotation or invoice from an approved agricultural drone manufacturer or authorised dealer.
- Bank account details for receiving the subsidy amount.
How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme
The Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme was announced in the Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget 2026-27. As of now, the Government of Tamil Nadu has not released detailed operational guidelines or started accepting applications. Once the scheme is formally launched by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, eligible candidates will be able to apply by following the prescribed procedure. Based on the information announced so far, the expected application process is outlined below.
Step 1: Wait for the Official Notification
The first step is to wait for the official notification issued by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. This notification will contain the application schedule, eligibility verification process, required documents, and detailed implementation guidelines for the scheme.
Step 2: Complete the Registration
After the application window opens, eligible candidates will need to register through the Agrisnet Portal or any other application platform notified by the Government. If an online facility is not introduced initially, applications may also be accepted through the concerned district Agriculture Department office.
Step 3: Submit the Required Documents
Applicants will have to fill in the application form carefully and upload or submit the prescribed documents, including identity proof, educational qualification, Aadhaar-linked bank account details, and other documents specified in the official guidelines.
Step 4: Selection for Drone Pilot Training
Eligible applicants shortlisted by the department will be nominated for professional drone pilot training at the Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, where they will receive practical and classroom training required for Remote Pilot Certification.
Step 5: Obtain the Remote Pilot Certificate
Candidates who successfully complete the training programme will receive the official Remote Pilot Certificate, making them eligible to legally operate agricultural drones in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Step 6: Apply for the Drone Subsidy
Women beneficiaries who complete the training and obtain the Remote Pilot Certificate will be eligible to apply separately for the 50% subsidy on the purchase of an agricultural drone, subject to the conditions prescribed under the scheme.
Step 7: Keep Checking Official Updates
Since the detailed implementation guidelines are yet to be issued, interested applicants should regularly visit the Agrisnet Portal and stay in touch with their nearest Agriculture Department office for the latest announcements regarding registrations, training schedules, and subsidy applications.
Important Links Available
- Tamil Nadu Agrisnet Portal
- Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
- Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Agritech Portal
Contact Details in Case of Help Needed
- Office: Centre for Water and Geospatial Studies, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
- Contact Person: Director, Centre for Water and Geospatial Studies
- Location: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Email: Directorwtc@tnau.ac.in
- Phone: 9047599446, 9941644967
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme?
Ans. The Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme is an initiative of the Government of Tamil Nadu that provides professional agricultural drone pilot training to eligible candidates and offers a 50% subsidy on the purchase of agricultural drones to selected trained women beneficiaries.
Q. When was the Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme announced?
Ans. The scheme was announced on 6 August 2026 during the presentation of the Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget 2026-27 by the Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Q. Which department implements the Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme?
Ans. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, while the drone pilot training is conducted through the Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.
Q. How many candidates will receive drone pilot training under the scheme?
Ans. The scheme provides free drone pilot training and Remote Pilot Certification to 500 candidates, including 100 women.
Q. Can men also apply for the drone pilot training?
Ans. Yes. The training component is open to eligible candidates, including both men and women. Of the 500 training seats, 100 are earmarked for women.
Q. Who is eligible to receive the agricultural drone subsidy?
Ans. Only 50 women beneficiaries who successfully complete the drone pilot training and obtain the Remote Pilot Certificate are eligible to receive the 50% subsidy for purchasing an agricultural drone.
Q. How much subsidy is available under the Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme?
Ans. Eligible women beneficiaries receive a 50% subsidy on the purchase of an agricultural drone under the scheme.
Q. What is the total budget allocated for the scheme?
Ans. The Government of Tamil Nadu has allocated a total budget of ₹4 crore, comprising ₹1.50 crore for drone pilot training and ₹2.50 crore for the agricultural drone subsidy.
Q. Has the application process started?
Ans. No. The scheme has been announced through the Tamil Nadu Agriculture Budget 2026-27. Detailed implementation guidelines and the application schedule are yet to be notified by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Q. Is the Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme the same as the Central Government’s Namo Drone Didi Scheme?
Ans. No. The Vetri Vaanmagal Scheme is a Government of Tamil Nadu initiative announced under the Agriculture Budget 2026-27, whereas the Namo Drone Didi Scheme is a separate Central Government programme that supports eligible Women Self-Help Groups with agricultural drones.
Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.