India - IG Drones receives grant for soil & plant health analysis using drones

To enhance the sustainability and productivity of tea gardens in Northeast India, a special grant by the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) of the Government of India under the Biotech Ignition Grant (BIG) to drone-tech company IG Drones.

The project led by Sambit Parida CTO and Co-founder of IG Drones, promises to revolutionise tea farming practices, promote environmental sustainability, and foster socio-economic development in the region. This project holds immense socio-economic advantages for the region, promising to revolutionise farming practices, mitigate climate risks, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

Tea is a widely consumed beverage worldwide and has significant economic importance in India’s North-East. Tea gardens in the northeast region have challenges like a lack of accurate and timely information on soil and plant health. IG Drones project aims to address these challenges by utilising advanced drone technology to gather real-time data on crucial aspects, providing tea growers with valuable insights to improve their farming practices.

One of the key benefits of the project is the potential to enhance crop management and output. Drones can collect data on pest infestations, nutrient levels, and soil moisture, enabling farmers to make informed decisions on the use of fertilisers, irrigation, and pest control. This precision farming approach reduces costs, minimises environmental impact, and boosts agricultural yields, leading to increased productivity and improved financial stability for tea farmers, contributing to the broader economic prosperity of the region.