HYDERABAD, 28 May 2024: In a significant move towards revolutionizing agricultural practices in India, the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has entered a strategic partnership with Marut Drones to undertake drone spray operations across an extensive area spanning up to 500,000 acres.
This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency in the states of Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana.
Under the terms of the agreement, Marut Drones will be employing state-of-the-art drone technology to administer a range of agricultural inputs developed by IFFCO Agri-products. This initiative aims to optimize crop yields while minimizing environmental impact, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
One of the key highlights of this tie-up is the creation of demand for rural entrepreneurs who have already invested in drone technology. By providing drones as a service (DAAS) for farmers, this collaboration empowers local communities and fosters self-employment opportunities. Additionally, individuals keen on acquiring agricultural drones can avail themselves of government subsidies, facilitating their participation in the initiative and enabling them to offer drone services to farmers on a pay-per-acre basis.
DAAS enables farmers to access drone technology through rural drone entrepreneurs at a per-acre cost, ensuring affordability and accessibility even for small-scale farmers. Furthermore, drone owners and service providers can enroll with Marut to receive incentives for spraying IFFCO products on every acre.
Commenting on the partnership, Co-founder and CEO of Marut Drones Prem Kumar emphasized the transformative role of technology in modern agriculture stating, "This collaboration signifies a paradigm shift in farming practices, allowing farmers to minimize direct contact with pesticides, thereby safeguarding their health. Furthermore, the utilization of drones addresses labor shortages by completing tasks in a fraction of the time it would take manually, significantly enhancing operational efficiency."
The IFFCO & Marut Drones tie-up underscores a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability in agriculture, paving the way for a more prosperous and resilient farming ecosystem. By harnessing the power of drone technology, this collaboration seeks to empower farmers, drive economic growth, and ensure food security for future generations.
