IFFCO to Buy 2,500 Agri Drones to Revolutionise Farming Practices in India.

In a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture and rural development, the Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has announced its ambitious plan to procure 2,500 'Kisan Drones' for spraying its revolutionary products, Nano Urea and Nano DAP. This bold initiative, inspired by the Prime Minister's vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi”, is set to transform farming practices and uplift the rural economy.

The cooperative has already placed an order for approximately 1,700 drones, with delivery expected by March 31, 2024. The remaining orders are yet to be confirmed. Some of the orders have already been placed with drone manufacturers like IoTechWorld Avigation for 500 drones and Garuda Aerospace for 400 drones.

The move comes as a part of IFFCO's commitment to promoting the usage of nano urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) - innovative soil nutrients that offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers. Nano urea, available in liquid form, provides plants with nitrogen, while Nano DAP aims to reduce India's dependence on imported soil nutrients.

Efficiency and Productivity through Agri-Drones

The adoption of agri-drones presents a host of benefits for farmers and agricultural operations. With one drone capable of covering 20 acres of land per day, the usage of drones results in the optimum utilization of social nutrients. This efficient approach not only reduces labour pressure but also enhances crop coverage, saving significant time for farmers. Moreover, the use of drones allows farmers to respond swiftly to biotic challenges, leading to improved crop health.

To make the technology accessible and affordable, IFFCO plans to train 5,000 rural entrepreneurs to handle the Kisan drones effectively. These "IFFCO Kisan Drones" will be provided free of cost to the trained entrepreneurs, empowering them to offer drone-based spraying services to farmers.

“We are witnessing a surge in demand for agri-drones from agro-chemical players including fertilizer, pesticide companies and rural entrepreneurs and large-farm holders,” said Deepak Bhardwaj and Anoop Upadhyay, co-founders of IoTechWorld Avigation who manufacture agri-drone.

The cooperative has also taken into consideration the safety and convenience of transporting the drones to farmers' fields. Alongside, it announced the procurement of 2,500 electric three-wheelers specially designed for this purpose, ensuring that the technology reaches remote agricultural areas.

IFFCO Managing Director & CEO US Awasthi’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/drusawasthi/status/1676083585718288390

The DRONAI Program: Integrating Technology and Agriculture

The IFFCO Kisan Drones project is part of the larger DRONAI program, which integrates Drone, Nano, Artificial Intelligence, and mobile technologies to promote the foliar application of Nano fertilizers and agrochemicals. By leveraging the power of AI and mobile apps, farmers can access advanced spraying technologies efficiently and safely. The AI-based software aids in crop growth and health detection, guiding farmers towards smart farming practices.

The implementation of this integrated software platform ensures adherence to all mandatory protocols related to drone usage, transport, and safe flying. The coordination of these processes through farmer-friendly mobile apps simplifies the entire operation.

Paving the Way for a Prosperous Future

Farmers will have the convenience of booking spraying services in advance through the app, streamlining the process and making it more user-friendly for all stakeholders. The dynamic monitoring of drones and spray efficiency will be remotely accessible through the central control unit.

This forward-looking initiative by IFFCO reflects a growing trend of using cutting-edge technology to bolster agricultural productivity and sustainability. As India progresses towards a technology-driven agricultural landscape, the incorporation of agri-drones is expected to bring about transformative changes, benefiting farmers and the environment alike.

By investing in Agri-Drones and providing training to rural entrepreneurs, IFFCO demonstrates its commitment to supporting farmers and nurturing rural economies. This landmark step towards sustainable agriculture and holistic cooperative development paves the way for a prosperous and environmentally conscious future in Indian agriculture.