Gandhinagar: The Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and Hyderabad-based Brane Services Pvt Ltd have joined forces to establish a cutting-edge Drone Robotics Centre (DRC) at the RRU campus in Gandhinagar. This strategic partnership aims to develop innovative drone technologies, including "rooster drones" capable of both rolling and flying, as well as counter-drone systems to enhance security.
A key focus of this collaboration is a pilot project utilizing drones to monitor and optimize agricultural practices in neighboring villages. The initiative, driven by corporate social responsibility, will provide farmers with valuable insights and interventions to improve crop yields and reduce costs.
Colonel Kanvaljit Singh, Associate Dean of RRU, outlined the project's vision: "We want to build a model where drones are made available to villages without the need for purchase or rental. These drones will be used throughout the farming cycle, from land preparation to harvest, to increase productivity and efficiency."
The pilot project will run for a year, and if successful, RRU plans to seek state government funding to expand the program. The model could then be replicated in villages near RRU's other campuses across India, including those in Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Puducherry, and Karnataka.
Drones will be employed to assess soil health, address nutrient deficiencies, verify the even distribution of fertilizers, monitor moisture levels, and detect pest infestations. This frequent monitoring, every three to five days, will empower farmers to make data-driven decisions and optimize their operations.
The pilot project's costs will be shared by RRU and Brane Services. In addition, Brane Services will further develop its rooster drone technology based on feedback from the Indian Army, which received the first prototype in November 2023. The DRC unit on campus will also offer internship opportunities to RRU students.
Vice-Chancellor of RRU, Bimal Patel, emphasized the potential impact of this partnership, stating, "This collaboration marks a significant step towards leveraging technology to empower farmers and transform agriculture in India."
This innovative initiative holds the promise of not only benefiting local farmers but also contributing to the broader advancement of agricultural practices nationwide.
