Case Study: Transforming Agriculture Through Drone Technology: The Story of Darubrahma Automation Robotics

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, drones have emerged as a versatile tool with applications spanning various sectors. One such sector that has witnessed a transformative impact due to drone technology is agriculture. This case study delves into how Darubrahma Automation Robotics, a startup founded by Rajendra Kumar Das, is revolutionizing the agricultural sector in India through customized drone solutions.

Problem Statement

Farmers in India have long grappled with the challenges of applying fertilizers and pesticides to their crops. Traditional methods often resulted in arbitrary application—either too much or too little—leading to crop damage and reduced yields. Moreover, the lack of safety gear during the spraying process posed significant health risks to the farmers. The need for a cost-effective, precise, and safe solution was evident.

The Innovation: Customized Drones

Rajendra Kumar Das, an engineering graduate from Odisha, identified this gap early on. During his B. Tech. in mechanical engineering, he envisioned the use of drones to alleviate these challenges. However, conventional drones were not up to the task. Das took it upon himself to customize drones specifically for agricultural applications.

These drones were equipped with advanced sensors and image processing software. The technology allowed the drones to scan the entire crop acreage and assess the health of the crops, particularly focusing on the extent of pest damage.

Zoning and Precision

One of the standout features of Darubrahma's drones is their ability to divide the crop area into three distinct zones—green, yellow, and red—based on the severity of the pest damage. This zoning allows for targeted application of pesticides or fertilizers. The drones then proceed to spray the appropriate amount of pesticide or fertilizer on each zone, ensuring that each area receives the treatment it specifically requires. This level of precision not only optimizes the use of agricultural inputs but also minimizes waste and environmental impact.

Business and Support

After graduating, Das turned down lucrative job offers to start Darubrahma Automation Robotics. His venture received significant support from the Odisha government and the state’s KIIT-Technology Business Incubator. This backing provided the much-needed impetus for the startup to scale its operations.

Coverage and Utility

Since its inception, Darubrahma's drones have covered over 30,000 acres of agricultural land across multiple states in India, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal. The drones are versatile, capable of carrying 5 to 25 liters of nano-fertilizer or pesticide, and have been used on a wide range of crops such as rice, chilli, cotton, mango, cashew, groundnut, sugarcane, and tea.

Business Model

Darubrahma offers multiple engagement models to cater to the varied needs of farmers. The drones can either be purchased outright or rented for INR 350-400 per acre. Their customer base includes individual farmers as well as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

Technological Advancements: Mobile App

In a move to further streamline the process, Darubrahma is in the final stages of developing a mobile app that will act as a drone aggregator service. Similar to how Ola and Uber operate for cabs, this app will allow farmers to book drones for specific dates and times. The nearest available drone will then be dispatched to complete the work.

Future Prospects

Das is not one to rest on his laurels. He is already working on next-generation drones capable of lifting up to 20 kg, with an eye on potential applications in defense.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. Sustainability: How sustainable is the drone technology in the long run for farmers, especially considering the costs involved?
2. Data Privacy: With drones collecting extensive data on crops and land, what measures are in place to ensure data privacy and security?
3. Expansion and Scalability: Given the success in multiple states, how can this technology be scaled to benefit farmers across the country?

Conclusion

Darubrahma Automation Robotics stands as a testament to how technology can be harnessed to solve real-world problems. Through innovation, precision, and a deep understanding of the agricultural sector, the startup is setting new benchmarks in sustainable farming practices. The future looks promising, not just for Darubrahma but for the countless farmers who stand to benefit from this groundbreaking technology.

Reference:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/english-news-paper-today-toi-print-edition/22nd-september-2023/dass-drones-are-helping-raise-farmers-incomes/printarticle/103847194.cms