Kaveri University, Siddipet has collaborated with Marut Drone Academy, India’s leading provider of drone education and training – a multidisciplinary University integrating world-class R&D, science and technology across all agricultural, and allied disciplines to establish a new drone academy in Siddipet. Recognizing the need to align drone education with industry demands, Kaveri University and Marut Drone Academy have entered into a strategic partnership for drone-centric education and technology collaboration. The state-of-the-art drone academy offers four dedicated flying zones, totaling an expansive area of 15,300 square meters.
Aligning with national objectives of skill development and technological advancement in rural areas, the Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) will offer top-tier drone pilot training and industry-specific skill development programs to train rural youth from tier II and III as drone entrepreneurs. The initiative is also in line with empowering women Self Help groups under the Namo Drone Didi scheme which aims to train 15,000 women to operate drones for agricultural purposes such as fertiliser sowing, crop monitoring and seed sowing, thereby creating new livelihood opportunities for women.
Currently, the Academy aims to provide drone pilot training to over 1000 people annually. The academy is set to provide courses like agri specific courses like Agri Spraying – Drone SoPs, Drone Agri Analytics, Drone Repair & Maintenance, Precision agriculture, digital agriculture etc. The Kaveri University Drone Academy will work closely with National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development (NABARD), Farmer producer organizations, Community Health Centres (CHCs), NGOs to promote the adoption of drone technology in tier II and III regions in Telangana.
On the collaboration, Dr. Velchala Praveen Rao, Vice Chancellor, Kaveri University said, “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 the 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.”
Speaking on the development, Mr. Sai Kumar Chintala, CEO – Marut Drone Academy, stated, “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.”
Kaveri University and Marut Drone Academy are creating the next generation of skilled drone operators with state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms designed to enhance the learning experience for Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) trainees and instructors. Additionally, a simulation and assembly lab will provide hands-on practice, allowing trainees to gain proficiency in drone mechanics. The University, in collaboration with MDA, will additionally assist graduates in finding employment opportunities after the program.
Marut Drone Academy (MDA) is dedicated to creating an ecosystem for drone education in India – MDA with its strategic partners like National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), and the Telangana State Aviation Academy (TSAA) has been empowering the next generation of drone enthusiasts, producing skilled pilots across the country. Marut Drone Academy has trained 1200 drone pilots so far. Marut Drone Academy has tailored its programs to address the unique needs and challenges of rural areas by offering training in Telugu and incorporating local context.
Siddipet has a significant population of rural youth who can benefit from skill development in emerging drone technologies. Training rural youth in advanced drone technologies can spur local economic development, creating job opportunities and fostering agriculture and rural entrepreneurship.
Currently, there is a shortage of drone pilots, a gap that is expected to widen as demand increases. Approximately 20% of all jobs in the drone industry are for pilots. The agriculture sector holds the largest potential application, requiring hundreds of thousands of drones on an ongoing basis. As an early mover in the drone technology sector, Marut Drone Academy is striving to scale up to meet the significant demand for manpower in the drone industry.