When Prime Minister Narendra Modi piloted a drone at the inauguration of Bharat Mandapam, it was more than just a display of cutting-edge technology. The drone in question, the Agribot MX, marks a much-needed leap in India’s push for Indigenous technological innovation, being the country’s first DGCA-approved type-certified agricultural drone.



Developed by the Gurugram-based IoTechWorld, the Agribot MX isn’t just assembled in India; it’s crafted entirely from scratch, reflecting the true spirit of ‘Make in India’. Mix a bit of that with a thorough 'Made for India' approach by understanding the needs and delivering solutions, and you have a winning formula in hand.


Drive For Drones



The Namo Drone Didi scheme, launched in 2023 as part of a central sector initiative, aims to empower women-led self-help groups (SHGs) by equipping them with drone technology to offer agricultural services. The scheme aims to provide drones to 15,000 selected women SHGs between 2024 and 2026, enabling them to offer rental services to farmers for tasks such as applying liquid fertilisers and pesticides.


The initiative is expected to generate an additional income of at least Rs 1 lakh per year for each SHG, fostering economic empowerment and promoting sustainable livelihoods. 


The key features of the scheme include an 80 per cent subsidy on drone costs (up to Rs 8 lakh), loan facilities for the remaining costs, as well as complimentary drone pilot training. 


Since DGCA regulates drone operations in the country, pilots need to get an official licence to use them commercially. Here's where startups like IoTechWorld come into play. 


No Smooth Sailing At First



Deepak Bhardwaj (pictured above), Co-Founder and Director of IoTechWorld, shares insights into how the company navigated the challenges of introducing agricultural drones in India. Reflecting on the initial years of operation, he recalled, "When we first ventured into drones in agriculture, there was a complete ban from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Chemical Insecticide Board."


Overcoming such regulatory obstacles required collaboration with various Government bodies and field demonstrations. "We worked with these agencies to demonstrate the benefits of drones for spraying and to collect data from farmers," he said, emphasising the importance of on-ground research and feedback in shaping the future of drone technology in Indian agriculture.


Bhardwaj also shared his thoughts on the critical role of Government support in driving innovation. "The biggest mantra was the support from our honourable Prime Minister," he said. "He understood the potential of drones in agriculture, especially after seeing how China and Japan had adopted similar technologies. This vision helped us secure the approvals needed to move forward."


As the Agribot MX makes its way into the hands of Indian farmers, Bhardwaj believes that the future of Indian agriculture will be deeply intertwined with drone technology. "We are empowering farmers not just with drones, but with the tools, training, and resources they need to thrive in the modern agricultural landscape," he said, outlining IoTechWorld’s vision of fostering a community of skilled drone operators across the country.


Understanding The Challenges



Anoop Upadhyay (pictured above), Director and Co-Founder of IoTechWorld, highlights the significant challenges faced when introducing high-tech solutions like drones in rural India. "Technology is complex, and it takes time to penetrate the market," he said, acknowledging that farmers, especially in rural areas, often face barriers in adapting to new tech.


However, IoTechWorld has taken steps to bridge the gap by making its software multilingual and user-friendly, so even less-educated farmers can operate drones with ease.


One of the major hurdles was ensuring the proper operation of drones. "The biggest concern is the lack of proper training for drone pilots," Upadhyay explains. Many farmers delegate drone flying to untrained individuals, leading to accidents and crashes. To tackle this, IoTechWorld has implemented biometric solutions like facial and fingerprint recognition, ensuring that only certified pilots can operate the drones.


Moreover, while the drones are designed to send operational data to the cloud, some farmers are reluctant to activate the data services due to the cost. "They don’t realise the value of monitoring their drone's health and preventing costly crashes," Upadhyay explains.


To overcome this, IoTechWorld plans to integrate these services directly, ensuring data transmission is always active.


How Are Farmers Leveraging Drone Tech?


Geeta Devi, a 'Drone Didi' from Karnal, Haryana said that has been using IoTech drones for around eight months and has been earning a significant income of Rs 2.4 lakh per season, by spraying fertiliser in fields of farmers who are willing to pay.



Bhakt Raj from Jabalpur has been using drones for 4.5 years and has been earning a significant income of Rs 8 lakh per season. Raj has become a drone entrepreneur of sorts, owning two drones and utilising them to assist farmers.


How Agribot MX Is Changing The Game


Armed with the well-thought-out implementation of technology meeting farming needs, it's safe to say that the Agribot MX sets a benchmark for agricultural drones by integrating advanced technology, robust safety features, and exceptional efficiency, making it a one-stop solution for modern farming challenges. Here’s what makes it stand out:



  • Lightning-Fast Operations: Capable of spraying one acre in just seven minutes, the drone can cover up to 25-30 acres in a single day.

  • Water Efficiency: It requires only 8-10 litres of water per acre, significantly reducing resource usage compared to traditional methods.

  • Smart Safety: Equipped with radar-based collision avoidance and terrain-following features, alongside a smart battery failsafe system, the drone ensures safety for both operators and crops.

  • Remote Fleet Management: A dedicated dashboard allows owners to monitor drone usage and productivity in real time.

  • Battery Efficiency: A single lithium-ion battery charge (25200mAh) covers three acres, with a lifespan of up to 500 cycles.

  • Easy Transport: Designed for bike-back or backpack carriage, making it ideal for Indian terrain. This particularly comes in handy for areas where four-wheelers aren't able to reach farming spots, but two-wheelers with IoTechWorld's patented drone carriage technology can maneuver easily.


“Agribot MX is designed to address the unique challenges of Indian farmers while promoting sustainable practices and reducing costs. Our goal is to empower farmers with cutting-edge tools that truly make a difference,” said Bhardwaj.


Bridging Technology & Affordability


Despite its advanced features, IoTechWorld has ensured that the Agribot MX remains accessible. Under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF), farmers can avail of up to 90 per cent unsecured bank loans at an interest rate of just 6 per cent.


This financial model, coupled with a nationwide sales and service network, ensures that the Agribot MX reaches farmers across the country.


Driving The Drone Revolution



IoTechWorld is not merely selling drones; it’s driving a transformation. By offering assistance with licensing, insurance, and pilot certification, the company aims to remove bureaucratic hurdles and empower farmers to adopt this technology seamlessly.


Farmers can also monitor live operational data, ensuring transparency and efficiency in farming operations.


A Sustainable Future


As India’s agricultural sector grapples with increasing demand and environmental concerns, Agribot MX emerges as a symbol of hope. The drone not only promises to reduce dependency on traditional methods but also aims to boost productivity and sustainability.


From reducing water consumption to ensuring precise application of fertilisers and pesticides, the Agribot MX aligns perfectly with India’s vision of sustainable and efficient farming practices.