New Delhi: Kaveri University has teamed up with Marut Drone Academy to establish a state-of-the-art drone training facility in Siddipet. This collaboration aims to provide drone pilot training to over 1,000 individuals annually, reflecting an integration of advanced technology with education.
The newly established drone academy will feature four dedicated flying zones, covering an expansive area of 15,300 square meters. This facility is designed to offer top-tier training programs and industry-specific skill development. The academy will provide a range of courses, including agri-specific training such as Drone SoPs for Agri Spraying, Drone Agri Analytics, Precision Agriculture, Drone Repair & Maintenance, and Digital Agriculture.
Aligned with national objectives of skill development and technological advancement in rural areas, the Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) at the academy aims to train rural youth from tier II and III cities, turning them into drone entrepreneurs. This initiative also supports the Namo Drone Didi scheme, which targets the training of 15,000 women to operate drones for agricultural purposes like fertilizer application, crop monitoring, and seed sowing, thus creating new livelihood opportunities.
The academy is set to provide drone pilot training to over 1,000 people annually. Kaveri University, strategically located in Siddipet, is Telangana’s first private university to have DGCA-approved RPTO. The university will collaborate with NABARD, Farmer Producer Organizations, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and NGOs to promote the adoption of drone technology in tier II and III regions of Telangana.
Dr. Velchala Praveen Rao, Vice Chancellor of Kaveri University, expressed, “Building on our experience and past efforts with Kaveri Seeds and the Centre of Excellence with Marut Drones, we’re set to offer specialized agriculture training using the Marut AG365 drone, at Kaveri University. Strategically located in the rural and suburban areas of Siddipet, it is Telangana’s first private university to have DGCA-approved RPTO. In line with Kaveri University’s mission, we are committed to empowering young talents with valuable job and business opportunities while raising awareness about drone applications among local farmers of the region.”
Sai Kumar Chintala, CEO of Marut Drone Academy, highlighted, “In the next three years, approximately 1 million people are expected to use drones in their industries. However, there is a significant shortage of skilled pilots, with only 10,000 trained professionals available. Drones will create numerous job and business opportunities in small towns and rural areas, offering a quick and profitable return on investment.”
“Individuals can recover the cost of their drone pilot training in just 3 to 4 months. According to the Drone Rules 2021 issued by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), remote pilot certification and a license are mandatory for anyone operating small to medium-sized commercial drones. Marut Drone Academy is facilitating this transformation by providing the necessary training and certification,” he added.
The Kaveri University Drone Academy will also feature modern classrooms and a simulation and assembly lab to provide hands-on practice for Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) trainees and instructors. The collaboration with Marut Drone Academy aims to assist graduates in finding employment opportunities post-training.
Siddipet’s significant population of rural youth stands to benefit from this advanced training, which could spur local economic development, create job opportunities, and foster agricultural and rural entrepreneurship. With the shortage of drone pilots expected to widen as demand increases, especially in agriculture, this initiative by Kaveri University and Marut Drone Academy is set to play a crucial role in addressing the gap and supporting the growth of the drone industry in India.
