For many Indian farmers, getting a good harvest is not as straightforward. Labour shortages, rising costs for seeds and fertilizer, and the inefficiency of traditional spraying methods are testing their survival, making farming a tough business, says Prem Kumar Vislawath, Founder & CEO, Marut Drones. "These issues are making it increasingly difficult for growers to maintain productivity and profitability."
Vilaswath explains, "There is a need to overcome three major challenges of rising labour shortages, increasing input costs, and inefficient spraying methods that lead to crop loss, water wastage, and chemical exposure." He believes that while traditional approaches once sufficed, new technologies are now essential as margins shrink and climate risks rise. "Agriculture in India and globally is under huge pressure to produce more with fewer resources," he adds.
© Marut Drones
To address these challenges, Marut Drones stepped in to offer drone technologies specifically tailored for Indian conditions. Vilaswath highlights, "Marut's AG 365, a DGCA-certified drone, can spray up to 30 acres a day, apply fertilizer, and sow seeds. GPS and terrain sensors ensure uniform coverage, zero crop damage, and reduce pesticide and water usage by up to 30%. Farmers can also avoid direct chemical exposure and save time."
This technology is suitable for smallholders, large growers, and service providers offering Drone-as-a-Service to multiple farms. "AG 365 can be used by small, medium, and large growers to spray on around 30 crop varieties, including orange, pomegranate, grape, guava, mango, maize, sugarcane, soybean, groundnut, chilli, onion, turmeric, and others," Vilaswath notes.
© Marut Drones
Since 2019, the adoption of agri-drones has been growing in India, with positive feedback coming in from states including Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh, shares Vilaswath. "Farmers have been able to cover more than 4 acres in 30 minutes, saving labour costs and improving efficiency. Some trained drone pilots have even built sustainable businesses, earning up to USD 1700 each month."
With Government support for agri-drones expanding, Vilaswath predicts a rise in demand, reporting interest from Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where similar farm and labour challenges exist. "In the future, Marut Drones aims to go beyond manufacturing. The goal is to make drones an everyday companion for farmers by working towards building pilot training, service centres, and after-sales support," he concludes.
For more information
Prem Kumar
Marut Drones
Tel: +91 99 85 855 494
Email: [email protected]
www.marutdrones.com