In the Indian agricultural setting today, drones are being used prominently. From spraying crops to surveying the lands, drones are helping farmers save their time, reduce the costs involved, and better their productivity. But before getting a drone, one very important thing should be checked — DGCA approval.
A great number of people do not know how important this certification is. If you use a non-approved drone, chances are that you can be summoned by law, might face loophole consequences, or have a chance of missing government subsidies.
This blog is aimed at explaining what DGCA approval means, why it matters, and how it helps farmers and drone companies to make the right choice for them.
What Is DGCA and Why Does It Matter?
DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) is the regulatory body of civil aviation in India. For drones, DGCA sets safety, quality, and compliance standards to ensure that drone flying in the Indian skies are secured, traceable, and reliable.
A DGCA-approved agricultural drone abides by certain flight criteria, such as:
- Flight Safety
- GPS Accuracy
- Hardware Reliability
- Software Compliance
- Airspace Guidelines
So when you opt for a DGCA-approved drone, you buy into trust, rather than just technology.
Top Reasons For Considering DGCA-Approved Agricultural Drones
- Legal Compliance
Only DGCA-approved drones are allowed for commercial operations in India. Usage of unapproved drones may attract legal prosecution, calling off surface operations, or even lead to exclusion from government schemes.
- Government Subsidies
The Indian Government, under its policies to promote drone use, offers subsidies for agri-drones only if DGCA-approved. Hence, certification is non-negotiable if one desires the financial support or entry into agri-schemes.
- Operating Safety
Agri-drones do spraying of chemicals, sometimes near human activity. They are tested for operation in real agricultural conditions for stability of the platform, uniformity of spray, and accuracy of GPS, with DGCA certification to assure that the drones carry out those operations safely and efficiently.
- Pilot Training and Licensing
Only DGCA-approved drones can be used for certified drone training. This directly affects the pilot licensing, approval of service centers, and overall viability of Drone Operators from a long-term business perspective.
- Higher resale/service value
A certified drone gets better resale value, with its owners able to insure it easily and demand better after-sales support from the manufacturer. Unapproved drones mostly do not allow for future upgrades.
Commitment to Certification and Quality
At Vaimanika Aerospace, every drone built is DGCA-approved and is Made in India, following the needs of Indian agriculture and terrain. It has been a firm policy of the company not to cut corners in specifications or safety. Whether it is our precision spraying drones or pilot training programs, every service is rendered with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in consideration of the trust invested in us.
Our drones have enabled farmers in India to grow wheat in Punjab and paddy in Tamil Nadu. With much attention to compliance and innovation, we work to craft a future where agri-tech is not only accessible but also responsible. Our drones are also capable of flying at night. You can watch the video below to see how. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDYTNi1pcFw
Final Thoughts
In the growing market of agriculture drones, DGCA approval is not just a feature — it’s a foundation. It ensures that your operations are legal, your investments are protected, and your farming is safe and smart.
If you are planning to purchase a drone or start a drone service business, then please ensure you are choosing something that has been certified, tested, and trusted. Looking for a DGCA-approved agricultural drone or dealership opportunity? Get in touch with Vaimanika Aerospace today and take the next step towards smart, sustainable farming.
