India - A new patent could enable rice seeding with drones, revolutionizing sustainable agriculture

By Miriam McNabb

In a significant 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 innovative direct seeding drone. This patent, valid for a term of 20 years starting November 29, 2021, marks a notable advancement in the precision agriculture domain, particularly for rice cultivation.

The awarded technology involves a multi-nozzle aerial seed dispensing device designed to optimize the seeding process for rice. This system allows for the efficient and effective aerial dispersion of rice seeds, ensuring that direct seeding can be carried out with unprecedented precision and efficiency.

PJTSAU has played a crucial role in 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 Founder 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 associated with 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 also serves multiple purposes, including pesticide application, thereby enhancing the Return on Investment (ROI) for farmers. The use of these drones can lead to a dramatic 92% reduction in water usage, making it an essential 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 aims to address the looming challenges in rice production that threaten food security and economic stability.

The company’s efforts extend beyond technological innovation, focusing on 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 new opportunities for rural employment.

Marut Drones, established in 2019 by three IIT alumni, is dedicated to leveraging drone technology to solve societal challenges, with a particular focus on transforming agricultural practices through precision agriculture and automation.