Droneization enters India based on cross-sectoral applications – Tech Observer

Droneization is fast becoming a reality in India thanks to technological advancements and a favorable regulatory environment. The Indian drone market, valued at around $1.21 billion in 2021, is expected to grow to $1.81 billion by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10, according to the World Economic Forum. 23%. This growth is based on the diverse applications of drones in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, delivery services, disaster management and defense.

In agriculture, drones are improving traditional farming practices. Precision agriculture, enabled by drones, allows for detailed monitoring of crops, soil and irrigation systems, increasing productivity and reducing resource waste. For example, drones can spray up to 1,000 acres a day with pesticides, significantly reducing the time and labor required compared to manual methods.

According to a Niti Aayog report, adopting drone technology in agriculture could increase productivity by 15-20% and reduce production costs by 20-25%. During the 2021 kharif season, a pilot project using drones to spray pesticides in Andhra Pradesh and Punjab resulted in a 15-20% increase in crop yields and a significant reduction in pesticide use.

Recently, The drone company Drone Destination has signed an agreement with the major cooperative IFFCO for spraying agricultural produce up to 30 lakh acres of farmland in 12 states including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand.

According to company officials, as per the deal, Drone Destination can get remuneration of Rs 400 to Rs 800 per acre at prevailing market rates, which means the deal will generate revenue of Rs 120 crore at the lower price band and up to Rs 500 crore . 240 in the upper price range.

Growth based on cross-sector applications

The infrastructure sector is also witnessing the transformative impact of drones. They are widely used for surveying, mapping and monitoring construction sites, leading to improved accuracy and efficiency. The use of drones in various government projects is expected to speed up project implementation and improve urban planning.

Notably, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) used drones to monitor highway construction projects, resulting in a 25% reduction in project completion timelines and a 15% reduction in overall costs. A report by PwC India highlights that drone integration could save up to 20% on construction costs and shorten project deadlines by 30%.

Delivery services represent another significant opportunity for drone technology. Companies like Swiggy and Zomato are piloting drone delivery programs to increase efficiency and reduce delivery times, especially in remote and inaccessible areas. The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s liberalized Drone Regulations, 2021, have created an enabling environment for such innovations by simplifying the approval process and reducing the compliance burden.

In June 2021, Swiggy partnered with Garuda Aerospace test drone deliveries in Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR. Trials have shown that drone deliveries could reduce delivery times by up to 30 minutes, increasing the efficiency of last-mile deliveries. Similarly, state governments such as Telangana and Arunachal Pradesh have experimented with the innovative use of drone technology to rapidly deliver approved medicines to remote rural areas and vulnerable communities.

Drones also play a key role in disaster management by providing real-time data, assisting in search and rescue operations, and delivering supplies to affected areas. They provide real-time data to assist in search and rescue operations and deliver essential supplies to affected areas. During the recent floods in Assam, drones were used to deliver medical supplies and food to stranded communities, demonstrating their potential in emergency response.

During the 2018 Kerala floods, drones were used extensively to survey flood-affected regions, deliver food and medical supplies, and assist in rescue operations, greatly improving the effectiveness of disaster response efforts.

In the defense sector, drones have become an integral part of surveillance, reconnaissance and combat activities. The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force are increasingly deploying drones to enhance border security and combat capabilities. The government’s push for indigenization of defense equipment under the Make in India initiative is fueling the development of advanced drone technologies in the country.

A report by the Ministry of Defense highlights that the development of indigenous drones could save up to $2 billion per year on imports. A notable example is the deployment of indigenous drones like DRDO’s Rustom-2 for surveillance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, which has strengthened India’s border security and provided real-time intelligence to defense forces.

Challenges hinder widespread adoption

Despite its promising prospects, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of drones in India. Regulatory hurdles remain a significant barrier. While the DGCA has established guidelines for drone operations, the regulatory landscape is complex and often difficult for companies and individuals to navigate. The need for a streamlined and transparent approval process is critical to supporting innovation and adoption.

Technological limitations also pose challenges. The domestic drone industry relies heavily on imported components, especially from China, making it difficult to develop a self-sustaining ecosystem. Despite the government imposing strict restrictions Chinese parts and software intended to be used in drone production in the interest of national security, some players continue to use them for civilian purposes.

Both industry bodies such as the Drone Federation of India (DFI) and domestic players such as IdeaForge PDRLand Big Bang Boom Solutions, among others, strive to improve the quality of drone pilot training and promote the ‘Make in India’ initiative, while ensuring that the growing growth of the sector remains unimpeded.

Efforts to increase research and development (R&D) capacity and boost domestic production are essential to overcome these constraints. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and drone components, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, aims to address this issue by promoting local manufacturing and innovation.

Another significant challenge is privacy and security issues. The proliferation of drones raises issues of unauthorized surveillance and data breaches. Ensuring robust security protocols and privacy compliance is critical to addressing these issues and gaining public trust.

A serious bottleneck is the shortage of qualified specialists able to operate and maintain drones. Developing a skilled workforce through training and education programs is essential for sustainable growth in the drone industry. Initiatives such as drone training programs run by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) are steps in the right direction. However, simply providing 4 days of training with one day of actual hands-on experience in the field is not enough to produce high-quality drone pilots.

Looking to the future

Looking ahead, several measures can facilitate the growth of dronification in India. Policy and regulatory reforms are needed to create an enabling environment for innovation and business. Streamlining the approval process and reducing compliance burdens will encourage investment and adoption across all sectors.

Technological innovation is crucial to the development of the drone industry. Investments in research and development to develop cutting-edge technologies and reducing dependence on imports will strengthen the domestic ecosystem. Government initiatives such as the PLI program and the creation of drone testing corridors will play a key role in this.

Capacity building through training and certification programs will help bridge the skills gap. Collaboration between educational institutions, industry and government can create comprehensive training modules, ensuring a steady supply of skilled professionals. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can accelerate drone adoption by pooling resources and expertise. Successful PPPs can power large-scale projects in agriculture, infrastructure and disaster management, demonstrating the practical benefits of droneization.

International cooperation is also essential to support innovation and knowledge transfer. Partnerships with countries such as the United States, Israel and Japan can help India gain access to advanced technologies and best practices, fueling the growth of the domestic drone industry.

Droneization in India has enormous potential to transform various sectors and drive economic growth. Addressing regulatory, technological and workforce challenges is critical to realizing the full potential of drones.