In a big development for the agricultural sector, Marut Drones, a pioneer in drone technology from India, in collaboration with Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU), has been granted a utility patent for an revolutionary direct seeding drone. This patent, valid for a term of 20 years starting November 29, 2021, marks a notable advancement within the precision agriculture domain, particularly for rice cultivation.
The awarded technology involves a multi-nozzle aerial seed allotting device designed to optimize the seeding process for rice. This technique allows for the efficient and effective aerial dispersion of rice seeds, ensuring that direct seeding will be carried out with unprecedented precision and efficiency.
PJTSAU has played a vital role within the scientific validation of this technology, offering Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide its effective use. This collaboration underlines the potential of the technology to significantly enhance rice production methods, addressing several challenges that farmers face today.
Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Founding father of Marut Drones, highlighted the transformative impact of the patented technology on rice farming. “By integrating this technology, we aim to significantly reduce manual labor in farms, countering labor shortages and promoting a sustainable and economically viable approach to rice cultivation,” said Vislawath. He further emphasized the role of the technology in reducing labor costs related to various farming activities, from seeding to pest control.
The direct seeding drone, branded AG365 to reflect its year-round utility, represents a leap towards modernizing agricultural practices. It not only facilitates direct seeding but additionally serves multiple purposes, including pesticide application, thereby enhancing the Return on Investment (ROI) for farmers. Using these drones can result in a dramatic 92% reduction in water usage, making it a vital tool for regions facing water scarcity or irregular monsoon patterns.
Marut Drones has conducted extensive trials across five states in India, demonstrating the effectiveness and scalability of this technology. With an ambitious goal to seed 1 million hectares of land by 2030, Marut Drones goals to handle the looming challenges in rice production that threaten food security and economic stability.
The corporate’s efforts extend beyond technological innovation, specializing in comprehensive training programs for farmers, rural youth, and agricultural stakeholders. These initiatives are designed to foster widespread adoption of direct seeding using drones, enhancing food production capabilities and creating recent opportunities for rural employment.
Marut Drones, established in 2019 by three IIT alumni, is devoted to leveraging drone technology to resolve societal challenges, with a selected deal with transforming agricultural practices through precision agriculture and automation.
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