Optiemus Unmanned Systems (OUS), a part of Optiemus Infracom Limited, has introduced new drones for agriculture and mapping. The launch took place at the 5th Drone International Expo in New Delhi and supports the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative.
Drone as a Service (DaaS)
OUS is starting a “Drone as a Service” (DaaS) plan, aiming to train about 6,000 pilots to operate 5,000 drones by the end of 2025. Optiemus Infracom will invest around INR 140 crore in this project and expects service revenue of INR 600 to 900 crore by 2025.
Focus on Local Production and Farmer Benefits
The company plans to have at least 65% of the drone components made in India, aiming for 75% by the end of the year. Local parts include the power distribution board, anti-spark switch, flight controller, airframe, and motor. These drones will help farmers improve crop yields and reduce costs.
Affordable and Efficient Drones
The Agri Shakti 10L drone, costing INR 2.25 lakhs plus GST, is designed for precision farming and pesticide spraying. It has a 10-liter spray tank and can cover an acre in about seven minutes. The Vajra QC P20, another drone, is used for mapping and can fly for over 30 minutes, covering up to 1 square kilometer.
Support and Partnerships
OUS will provide strong after-sales service, keeping spare drones and parts ready. They will also work with cooperative societies, government groups, and agricultural universities to promote these drones.
Vision for the Future
Ashok Kumar Gupta, Chairman of Optiemus Infracom Limited, emphasized the company’s goal to improve farming practices and increase crop yields while promoting sustainability. He highlighted the extensive research done to ensure the success of this initiative.
