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HomePosts Tagged "Prem Kumar Vislawath"
Agrotech, Drones, India, Interaction

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

In a conversation with AgroSpectrum, Prem Kumar

Agribusiness, Agrotech, Drones, India, R&D

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.

Direct seeding drone is developed in collaboration

Agrotech, Company News, Environment, India, Nature, Start ups

These drones are meticulously designed to disperse seed balls in challenging terrains, including valleys and foothills, providing access to even the most remote areas.

Hyderabad based Marut Drones, India’s premier Drone manufacturing Company, has introduced its pioneering initiative, the Seedcopter 2.0 – India’s first reforestation drone. Marut Drones is delighted to announce the availability of Seedcopter services to corporate entities, enabling them to actively engage in CSR activities and reforestation efforts. Marut aspires to bring together corporate entities and their dedicated CSR teams to take the services of Seedcopters in the reforestation journey, an activity that would align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13, 15, 17 & 9) and actively participate in the management of their carbon footprint while making a lasting and transformative impact on the environment.

These drones are meticulously designed to disperse seed balls in challenging terrains, including valleys and foothills, providing access to even the most remote areas. The drones significantly reduce the time and labor required for afforestation, offering an efficient and cost-effective solution. Notable environmentalists like Padmashree Jadav Payeng from Assam, popularly known as the Forest Man of India, and Padmashree Daripalli Ramaiah from Telangana are key ambassadors for Marut’s Seedcopter.

Marut Drones has successfully utilized the Seedcopter for its ongoing mission to plant One Billion Trees by 2030 through its flagship ‘Hara-Bahara’ campaign. The notable achievement of planting more than one crore trees across 9 states like Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Assam in 2022 reflects the undeniable success of Seedcopters. Marut is on a mission to restore 900 forests through ‘Hara-Bahara’ campaign and is already well underway.

Renowned actor and environmental advocate Rana Daggubati, joined forces with Marut Drones in 2021 to increase forest cover in India through rapid afforestation, using Seedcopter. Speaking on the launch Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO of Marut Drones, expressed his enthusiasm for making Seedcopter 2.0 available for corporate use with a CSR perspective, stating, “With Seedcopter, we’re not just planting trees; we’re sowing hopes of replanting a forest, one drone at a time. By making Seedcopter 2.0 available as a service for corporate entities, , we aim to extend the reach of drone technology, inviting more stakeholders to contribute to India’s green cover. As stewards of this planet, we have a duty to reawaken the forests we’ve lost.”

At the core of Seedcopter’s approach lies the fusion of community science and cutting-edge technology. Marut’s mission is to empower women and communities in 1400 districts to act and contribute towards reforestation. So far, Marut has empowered 15000 women across 200 communities and has been actively engaging local communities to play a vital role in preparing the seedballs, contributing not only to ecological well-being but also uplifting the socio-economic conditions of communities involved.

Seedcopters embark on their mission with a comprehensive aerial survey and mapping of target areas, providing invaluable insights into topography, soil conditions, and vegetation, enabling informed decisions during the seeding process. Seedcopters release them with precision, ensuring an even distribution across the target terrain, resulting in a higher germination rate and increased chances of tree growth. Post-planting monitoring with data hubs established to track the progress of the planted seeds is a crucial aspect of Marut Drones’ efforts. This data-driven approach helps assess the success of afforestation efforts and fine-tunes strategies for future projects.

These drones are meticulously designed to disperse

Agrotech, India, Interaction

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.

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

In an exclusive interview with AgroSpectrum, Prem

AgroPolicy, Agrotech

Marut drones will generate economic and employment opportunities in districts in Maharashtra state.

With farmer’s welfare at priority, the Govt. of Maharashtra and Hyderabad based Marut Drones in collaboration introduced Marut’s AG365 drones to farmers of the Buldhana district. Eknath Shinde, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, personally interacted with the beneficiaries and encouraged them to spread awareness about the use of drones in farming, this is a positive step towards promoting technological advancements in agriculture.

Marut’s AG365S drone, with its highly reliable safety features like collision detection and avoidance system and safe return to launch, has already become a point of attraction for farmers being the first and only drone in Buldhana under the SMAM (Sub-mission On Agriculture Mechanization) scheme. This could potentially lead to improved agricultural practices, increased productivity, and enhanced crop management for the farmers in Buldhana, reducing the cost of production and increasing the profitability.

The SMAM scheme, which aims to promote and strengthen agricultural mechanization, is a crucial initiative for modernizing agriculture across India. The fact that it will be implemented in all Indian states highlights the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing agricultural practices nationwide.

By showcasing Marut’s multi-utility AG365S drone to farmers as part of this scheme, the Maharashtra agriculture department is playing a key role in educating and training farmers on the benefits and applications of drone technology in agriculture. This can lead to more efficient and sustainable farming practices, ultimately benefiting the farming community and the agricultural sector.

On this occasion, Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO of Marut Drones said, “Marut’s technology is reaching remote districts to resolve the crisis afflicting the farmer’s community. We are extremely thankful to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for encouraging drone adoption to farmers of Buldhana. With Marut’s AG365 drone, the farming practices will be revolutionized, AG-365 is designed and developed for Indian conditions and can be used for multiple purposes giving a higher return on investment to the farmers. Marut drones will generate economic and employment opportunities in districts, the drones are safe to operate and have flying endurance of 22 minutes. With govt support and partnerships with agriculture departments, we will ensure that Marut’s technology reaches across villages and towns.”

Marut drones will generate economic and employment

Agrotech, India, Start ups

AG-365S kisan drone is India’s first Multi-utility Agriculture small Category Drone to receive the prestigious DGCA approved type certificate.

Hyderabad based drone manufacturer “Marut Drones” has become the first player to have DGCA type certification in both small and medium category battery operated drones. Marut Drones received the Type Certification approvals from the Director General of Civil Aviation for their extensively tested and robustly designed multi-utility agricultural drone in small category (less than 25kg) AG-365S. As per UAS Rules-2021, Drones with UIN numbers are only allowed to fly in Indian Airspace. AG-365S kisan drone is India’s first Multi-utility Agriculture small Category Drone to receive the prestigious DGCA approved type certificate.

AG-365S has highest endurance of 22 minutes, equipped with high end sensors for smooth operations and tested extensively for best quality. Marut Drones already boasts a Multipurpose Medium category agricultural drone and multiple RPTOs in partnership with prestigious institutions across India.

DGCA certification is provided based on quality checks and is issued after a rigorous testing process of unmanned aerial vehicles in various NABL accredited testing labs. This makes UAV go through a series of material, environmental, operational tests for safe, secured and reliable operations. The certification enables the Hyderabad-based firm to bring the users their agricultural drone technology which can revolutionize Indian Agriculture.

Marut Drones Founder, Prem Kumar Vislawath, said, “Marut Drones has been taking steps in line with its vision of Advancing Agriculture. Manual spraying in agriculture have caused huge negative health impact on operators. And a mindless repetition of these sprays is inhumane exposing the operator to chemicals and leading to cancers. With both type certification and RTPO approvals by DGCA for small category drones, the manual inhumane operations can be easily performed by drones making it safe to the operator. This also creates new job opportunities in rural areas. A drone entrepreneur using this drone can earn anywhere between Rs.40000 to Rs.90000 enabling him to work at comfort of his home making a positive impact on farmers”.

AG-365S is equipped with multiple payloads and one AG-365S can be used for spraying pesticides, granular spreader and also for running RPTO drone training academies. AG-365S is extensively tested for more than 1.5 lakhs acres and optimized for performance to be used in agriculture. Further, extensive research is undergone with AG-365S for development of crop specific drone spraying SOPs in collaboration with prestigious agriculture universities and research institutes.

Having been awarded type certificate for AG-365S model, Drone is now eligible for ₹ 10 lakh unsecured loans from the Agri Infrastructure Fund at a minimal 5-6% interest. Further, AG 365S is covered by comprehensive insurance protecting the customers from any unforeseen incidents giving them peace of mind.

Marut Drones have been accorded RPTO approvals which enables training and capacity building of drone pilots focused on safe agriculture operations, repair and maintenance. Marut Drones has trained more than 800 pilots through its academies and tying up with major universities and establishing training academies to enable drone pilots with highest quality training and with this, it sees a vision of development of 5 lakh drone entrepreneurs in countryside.

AG-365S kisan drone is India’s first Multi-utility

Agrotech, Company News, India, Start ups

Marut’s seedcopters aims to plant 1 billion trees by 2030 through its seeding campaign ‘Hara Bahara’.

In a novel attempt to make barren patches green, India’s leading drone manufacturer and service provider Marut Drones launched drone seeding for lands in and around Agra and Ferozabad districts. The ongoing massive afforestation activities under the ‘Hara Bahara’ campaign in these districts spans over 10 acres of forest land. Minister of Forest, Uttar Pradesh – Shri Dara Singh Chauhan, PCCF, UP; HOD of Forest of UP, other government officials, and environmental experts were present during the drone seeding session.

Marut’s Seedcopter is India’s only ‘Type Approved Drone’. Type approval is essential to generate UIN, akin to the engine chassis number, without which no drone weighing more than 250 grams can fly in Indian airspace. In pursuance of the state government’s ‘Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan’ Marut Drone’s corporate social campaign ‘Hara Bahara’ is providing the technical expertise for dropping seed balls using drones. By aiding pollination and navigating at a micro level, Marut’s seedcopters will save operations time.

With a vision to use technology for a purpose, Marut drones has been working to create innovative drone solutions for healthcare, environment, afforestation, and agriculture in Telangana and Arunachal Pradesh. Marut aims to plant 1 billion trees by 2030, and for forest regeneration, has joined hands as a Technical Partner with the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh under the ‘Vriksharopan Jan Abhiyan 2023’.  This is especially in time, when India is focusing on afforestation and sustainability as a key goal.  Marut’s seed copter activity is aimed at regenerating forests rather than profit-making.

Speaking on the noble initiative, Minister of Forest, Uttar Pradesh, Dara Singh Chauhan said, “We have harnessed drone technology to disperse seeds across 10 acres of land in and around Agra and Firozabad districts. Through campaigns of such scale, we are setting another record today, we hope to amplify the state’s vegetation cover, combat desertification, and cultivate local trees and wild plants.”

Commenting on the nationwide campaign, Founder of Marut Drones, Prem Kumar Vislawath said, “This can be India’s solution to the emerging climate crisis. The seed balls include some seeds of minor forest produce species including some fruit species, this helps in the survival of forest animals and tribal communities, and other forest dwellers. We are hoping to create a positive impact on the local environment and community in Uttar Pradesh by increasing the green cover and raising carbon sequestration.”

Marut’s seedcopters aims to plant 1 billion