Manufacturers need to collaborate with chemical companies and regulatory bodies to develop and approve drone-compatible ULV formulations

In an exclusive interview with AgroSpectrum, Prem Kumar Vislawath, Founder, Marut Drones takes us through the scope and scale of agri drone innovation and adoption in Indian agriculture. Edited excerpts:

Marut Drones has been awarded the Type Certification approvals from the Director General of Civil Aviation for the multi-utility agricultural drone in the small category (less than 25kg) called the AG-365S. This drone has undergone thorough testing and has been developed with a strong build. Only drones that have been issued a UIN number are permitted to operate within Indian airspace, as stated in the UAS Rules-2021. Certification from the DGCA is granted following an exhaustive testing procedure of unmanned aerial vehicles carried out in a number of testing labs that have been granted NABL accreditation. This certification is based on quality checks. This requires the UAV to undergo a battery of material, environmental, and operational testing to ensure that its activities are safe, secure, and reliable.

The accreditation makes it possible for the Hyderabad-based company to introduce its agricultural drone technology to users, which has the potential to completely transform agriculture in India. In an exclusive interview with AgroSpectrum, Prem Kumar Vislawath, Founder, Marut Drones takes us through the scope and scale of agri drone innovation and adoption in Indian agriculture. Edited excerpts:

Recently, your AG-365S kisan drone Multi-utility Agriculture small Category Drone has received the prestigious DGCA approved type certificate. How can development enhance your project reach?

The DGCA-approved AG-365S Kisan Drone by Marut Drones offers an impressive array of features that make it a game-changer in Indian agriculture:

a. Swappable Payloads for Multi-Utility: One of its standout features is swappable payloads, making it a multi-utility tool for farmers. This flexibility allows farmers to adapt the drone for various tasks, from pesticide spraying, granule spreading to crop monitoring, significantly increasing its value and versatility.

b. High Endurance: The AG-365S boasts high endurance, enabling it to fly 22min on a single full charge. This high flight time Minimises the need for frequent recharging or battery swaps, optimising operational efficiency.

c.  Obstacle Avoidance & Terrain Management Sensors: Equipped with advanced obstacle avoidance and terrain management sensors, the drone can navigate through complex agricultural landscapes with precision and safety. It can avoid obstacles such as trees or buildings, ensuring smooth and accident-free operations.

d. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Crops: Marut Drones provides customised Standard Operating Procedures for 7+ crops, and SOPs for 35+ crops are under development in collaboration with renowned institues and partners such as PJTSAU, ICRISAT, NIPHM.

Incorporating these features, the AG-365S Drone redefines precision agriculture in India, offering farmers a reliable, efficient, and adaptable solution to meet their diverse agricultural needs.

What are the major challenges faced by drone manufacturers especially in agriculture sector?

Non-compliance with aviation regulations and airspace restrictions can lead to legal and operational issues. Delays or disruptions in the supply chain can impact the availability of critical components for drone operations.

While some state governments in India have initiated subsidy programs to promote the adoption of agricultural drones, there is often a lack of uniformity and consistency in these schemes. Manufacturers must navigate a complex landscape of varying subsidy policies, eligibility criteria, and application processes, making it challenging to plan and market their products effectively.

The effective use of drones for pesticide spraying depends on the availability of ULV formulations that are suitable for drone-based application. Manufacturers need to collaborate with chemical companies and regulatory bodies to develop and approve drone-compatible ULV formulations. This requires extensive research and development efforts and navigating regulatory hurdles.

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In an exclusive interview with AgroSpectrum, Prem