PJTSAU procures two agricultural drones for training rural youth in Drone Academy

HYDERABAD: Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao marked the inauguration of Marut's AG365 Drone at Agritech South 2024, a premier agricultural technology event hosted by Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). With this initiative, Marut Drones is part of the Telangana Government and PJTSAU’s commitment towards harnessing innovative technologies to empower women, youth, and farmers in the State.

PJTSAU acquired two cutting-edge drones from Marut Drones for research and utility purposes to enhance agricultural practices and research initiatives within the university. Additionally, the drone would be used for training rural youth, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and agricultural graduates. The PJTSAU Drone Academy would conduct training sessions using these drones.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao emphasised the transformative role of drones in agriculture, stating, "The Government of Telangana gives full support to companies and universities that explore drone technology in agriculture. An extensive training and adoption, will help farmers with better management and the Telangana government to formulate a drone-based agriculture policy."

On this occasion, Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO of Marut Drones, said, “Marut’s technology is reaching remote districts to resolve the crisis afflicting the farmer’s community. We are extremely thankful to the Minister of Agriculture for encouraging drone adoption. With Marut’s AG365 drone, the farming practices will be revolutionised, AG-365 is designed and developed for Indian conditions and can be used for multiple purposes giving a higher return on investment to the farmers. Marut drones will generate economic and employment opportunities in districts, the drones are safe to operate and have flying endurance of 22 minutes. With govt support and partnerships with agriculture departments and universities, we will ensure that Marut’s technology reaches across villages and towns of Telangana.”

Speaking on the collaboration, PJTSAU said in a statement, "Marut Drones has been a trusted long-term partner. Marut’s multi-utility AG365 drone is instrumental in providing a comprehensive training to farmers, women drone pilots, young farmers, and agriculture graduates who are keen towards adoption of drone technology in agriculture.”

Marut Drones was part of the fourth edition of Agri-Tech South 2024, organised by the Government of Telangana and CII from February 16 to 18, 2024, at PJTSAU's campus. This event serves as a pivotal platform to introduce and showcase the latest agricultural inputs, products, services, and technologies aimed at shaping the future of agriculture.

A three day annual event, Agritech South aims to facilitate discussions among key stakeholders, including Government officials, industry leaders, academic experts, and farmers, to identify priorities and propose strategies for the growth and advancement of the agricultural sector in India.