CEO and Founder of Marut Drones Archives

“Streamlined and simplified regulatory framework for drone operations will encourage easier compliance”

In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Founder of Marut Drones, delves into the company’s pivotal role in sustainable agriculture endeavours. Edited Excerpts:

Marut Drones’ acquisition of the utility patent for its direct seeding drone device, developed in collaboration with Prof Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU), marks a significant milestone in agricultural innovation. This patent recognises the company’s pioneering multi-nozzle aerial seed dispensing device, a technology validated by PJTSAU for its effectiveness in enhancing rice production. In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Founder of Marut Drones, delves into the company’s pivotal role in sustainable agriculture endeavours. Edited Excerpts:

Could you tell us about bagging the world’s first utility patent for your direct seeding drone?

Marut Drones acquisition of the utility patent for its direct seeding drone device, developed in collaboration with Prof Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU), marks a significant milestone in agricultural innovation. This patent recognises Marut’s pioneering multi-nozzle aerial seed dispensing device, a technology validated by PJTSAU for its effectiveness in enhancing rice production. By optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of seed-sowing processes, The patented system revolutionises rice farming practices, particularly in addressing labour shortages and economic viability. It not only validates the reliability and efficacy of Marut’s technology but also underscores its potential to transform rice cultivation at the grassroots level. By reducing on-farm manual labour through drone technology, Marut aims to overcome persistent challenges faced by farmers, such as labour shortages due to rapid urbanisation. Our direct seeding drone offers several advantages for rice farmers, including a remarkable 92 per cent reduction in water usage and enhanced operational efficiency. With the ability to sow up to 30 acres in a single day, our technology mitigates traditional obstacles such as nursery time, transplantation, and skilled labour shortages. The company’s ambitious target to seed 1 million hectares of land by 2030 aligns with efforts to fortify food security and address impending challenges in rice production.

How do your agri drones aid sustainable agriculture in India?

The AG365 drone revolutionises sustainable agriculture by offering a versatile solution for multiple farming needs. It enables precise pesticide spraying, fertiliser granule spreading, direct seeding, and crop monitoring, all in one platform. This multipurpose functionality promotes efficient resource utilisation, minimises environmental impact, and enhances crop productivity. By consolidating various tasks into a single drone, it streamlines agricultural operations while promoting environmentally friendly practices, contributing to the long-term sustainability of farming systems.

How have your drone and AAI tech for agriculture been recognised?

Our drones have garnered multiple accolades, solidifying our position as a trailblazer in the intersection of technology and agriculture. Prestigious recognitions we have received include the Technology Award for Drones and AI in the Agriculture Sector, the FICCI Award for Sustainable Agriculture 2022, the SIBA Award for Emerging Technology and AI Mobile Retail 2022. The Telangana Industry Award for Best Startup Bronze 2022, the Bronze accolade from Telangana Industry and the TIE Global TGS 100 Award for Top 100 Emerging Startups are a testament to our impactful journey and significant contributions. Also, Marut Drones has been acknowledged among the top 100 emerging startups globally by TIE Global TGS, further affirming our position as a leading force in the startup ecosystem.

How can Marut Drones help boost farm productivity, farmers’ incomes and contribute to a sustainable environment?

Marut Drones plays a pivotal role in boosting farm productivity, fostering a sustainable environment, and increasing farmer income through several key avenues like precision agriculture, efficient pest and disease management, optimised resource utilisation, promotion of sustainable practices, and access to market intelligence. Overall, Marut Drones acts as a catalyst for transforming agriculture by integrating advanced technology with sustainable practices. By increasing farm productivity, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing farmer income, we strive to create a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Can you tell us about your AG 365 Agricopter, the agriculture-specific multiutility drone?

This multi-utility drone offers a suite of features tailored to address diverse agricultural needs. The drone is accredited by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. It exceeds industry benchmarks for airworthiness and adheres to stringent quality control protocols, affirming its unwavering excellence in every aspect of operation. Under Namo Drone Didi Yojana, we have supplied advanced drone technology training to support rural women in becoming proficient drone pilots. This initiative aligns with the broader vision of leveraging technology for agricultural empowerment, fostering inclusivity, and creating new opportunities within the farming community.

To read more click on :https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

May 2, 2024

In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Prem Kumar

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Drones, India, R&D

Marut drones receives world’s first utility patent for its revolutionary direct seeding drone

Direct seeding drone is developed in collaboration with Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU) incorporates a multi-nozzle aerial seed dispensing device.

Marut Drones, has been granted the world’s first utility patent for a term of 20 years starting from November 29, 2021, under the provisions of the Patents Act, 1970. This patent recognizes Marut’s direct seeding drone, developed in collaboration with Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU), which incorporates a multi-nozzle aerial seed dispensing device. With this patent, Marut Drones endeavors to facilitate the widespread adoption of direct seeding drones for rice cultivation at the grassroots level.

Marut’s seeding drones have obtained the patent following scientific validation by PJTSAU, which has also released Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for their use. This validation underscores the reliability and efficacy of the technology in enhancing rice production.

The patented system enables the aerial dispersion of diverse rice seeds through a meticulously designed multi-nozzle mechanism, optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of seed-sowing processes. Marut has adhered to standard operating procedures for seeding, ensuring precise parameters such as drone speed, swath width, nozzle type and pressure, spray volume, spraying altitude, and droplet size in Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) using drones.

Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Founder of Marut Drones, emphasized, “This patented technology will revolutionize rice farming practices in India. By reducing on-farm manual labor through drone technology, we aim to address the persistent challenges faced by farmers, particularly labor shortages due to rapid urbanization. From seeding paddy to controlling mosquitoes and pests in rice fields, labor costs pose significant hurdles. Through our collaboration with PJTSAU, we seek to promote the widespread adoption of Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) through drones, fostering a more economically viable and sustainable rice cultivation ecosystem.”

Marut’s direct seeding drone is a multi-utility attachment, enabling farmers to utilise drones not only for pesticide application/spraying but also for direct seeding, thereby accelerating Return on Investment (ROI). This multi-functionality allows the drone to be utilised around the year, justifying its name AG365.

By leveraging Marut Drones’ innovative DSR drones, farmers can achieve a remarkable 92 per cent reduction in water usage, significantly accelerating ROI and profitability timelines from 3 years to just 1.5 years. The DSR drones are highly feasible under delayed monsoons, late release of canal water, or other contingency situations, addressing major challenges faced by rice farmers.

Traditional obstacles such as nursery time, transplantation, and skilled labor shortages are effectively mitigated, empowering farmers with enhanced operational efficiency and flexibility. With Marut’s DSR drones, farmers can sow up to 30 acres in a single day, requiring only 33,333 man-days to cover 500,000 acres compared to the 50 lakh man-days required for manual transplanting. Moreover, this technology minimizes operational exposure to harmful pesticides during pest outbreaks.

Through extensive trials conducted across 5 states, Marut Drones is poised to revolutionize rice farming practices nationwide. As India grapples with the impending dip of 2 million tons in rice production, creating disruptions in the global rice market, Marut Drones aims to seed 1 million hectares of land by 2030.

Marut’s patented technology not only opens avenues for rural employment but also encourages the establishment of Community Health Centers (CHCs) facilitated by Farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and women self-help groups.

February 27, 2024

Direct seeding drone is developed in collaboration