Hyderabad, India: Marut Drones, India’s one of the leading drone manufacturers, 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 recognises 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 endeavours to facilitate the widespread adoption of direct seeding drones for rice cultivation at the grassroots level, the drone company informed.
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, optimising 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, the drone manufacturer informed.
You may also like to read – More intelligent AI algorithms for the agriculture sector coming soon: Mohit Pande, CBO, CropIn
Highlighting the development, Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Founder of Marut Drones, said, “This patented technology will revolutionise rice farming practices in India. By reducing on-farm manual labour through drone technology, we aim to address the persistent challenges faced by farmers, particularly labour shortages due to rapid urbanisation. From seeding paddy to controlling mosquitoes and pests in rice fields, labour 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 but also for direct seeding, thereby accelerating Return on Investment (ROI). This multi-functionality allows the drone to be utilised round 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 three 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,” the drone manufacturer claimed.
You may also like to read – Satyukt Analytics, Zuari FarmHub partner to accelerate satellite-powered precision farming solutions
“Traditional obstacles such as nursery time, transplantation, and skilled labour 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 minimises operational exposure to harmful pesticides during pest outbreaks,” Marut Drones said.
“Through extensive trials conducted across five states, Marut Drones is poised to revolutionise rice farming practices nationwide. As India grapples with the impending dip of two million tonnes in rice production, creating disruptions in the global rice market, Marut Drones aims to seed one million hectares of land by 2030,” the drone company informed.
“By fortifying food security efforts with its patented technology, Marut emerges as a frontrunner in innovation. The company’s comprehensive training programmes targeting farmers, rural youth, students, and agricultural stakeholders will promote the adoption of direct seeding in rice cultivation using drone technology,” the Marut said.
Marut’s patented technology not only opens avenues for rural employment but also encourages the establishment of community health centres (CHCs) facilitated by farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and women self-help groups (SHGs).
(The story is based on a press release by Marut Drones. All specifications and features are claimed by the drone manufacturer. Agriculture Post doesn’t assume any responsibility for the same.)
