Ningbo launches insurance for farming drones

The city of Ningbo — located in East China's Zhejiang province — has launched specialized insurance to support agricultural drones, helping farmers operate high-tech equipment safely and efficiently.

In the city's Jiangbei district, the hum of drone engines has become a familiar sound across rice fields as farmers embrace smart crop-spraying drones equipped with intelligent navigation systems. These drones distribute fertilizers and pesticides precisely, significantly boosting efficiency and reducing labor costs.

Local farmer Ni Jingjie, who manages 1,300 mu (86.7 hectares) of rice fields, says the drones have transformed his operations. "Even in rainy weather, we can complete spraying tasks easily. Compared with manual work, efficiency has improved dramatically and we save 10 to 20 percent on inputs," he said.

Despite their benefits, the high cost of drones has long been a concern. "Each drone costs over 10,000 yuan ($1,392) and repairs can be expensive if accidents occur," Ni added.

To address this, Ningbo Branch of the People's Insurance Company (Group) of China Ltd has introduced dedicated insurance for agricultural drones — covering property damage, third-party liability and operator accidents.

Ni has insured his two drones with a total coverage of 600,000 yuan, paying just 1,650 yuan thanks to a 70 percent government-supported premium.

"It covers virtually every possible risk scenario, giving farmers peace of mind," Ni said.

The local agricultural authorities note that insurance is a crucial tool in modern agricultural risk management and the broader rural vitalization strategy.

In 2025, Jiangbei is offering 91 types of agricultural insurance covering crops and farm machinery, including the newly added drone and combine harvester policies.

With 13 insured products currently active and a total coverage exceeding 134 million yuan, the initiative not only reduces farmers' operational risks but also accelerates the mechanization and digital transformation of modern agriculture.