The partnership aims to modernise Indian agriculture by integrating cutting-edge drone technology with local expertise, targeting enhanced productivity and sustainable farming
AVPL International, a prominent player in India’s drone technology sector, has announced a strategic partnership with DeHaat, a leading agri-tech platform, in a move set to revolutionise Indian agriculture. The collaboration seeks to modernise the sector by merging AVPL’s advanced drone solutions with DeHaat’s grassroots agricultural expertise.
Amrendra Singh, Co-Founder of DeHaat, emphasised the synergy between the two organisations, aligning with DeHaat’s mission to empower farmers through cutting-edge technology.
DeHaat has been recognised for its rapid expansion in the agri-tech sector, offering comprehensive solutions to farmers across India. Operating in 12 agricultural states, DeHaat supports over 2.7 million farmers through its extensive network of DeHaat Centres and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). Additionally, the platform provides AI-enabled crop advisory services in regional languages for over 30 crops, further empowering farmers with vital knowledge and technological support.
Preet Sandhu, Founder of AVPL International, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its potential to transform the agricultural landscape in India.
As part of the collaboration, AVPL International will establish a Project Management Unit (PMU) dedicated to training and skilling 140,000 candidates. This initiative will focus on promoting agri-entrepreneurs, or “Dronepreneurs,” equipping them with the skills necessary to adopt and utilise new technologies and innovative farming practices. The training programme will cover various areas, including drone operations, drone manufacturing, agri-training, agri-retail, and multi-sector skill development.
Farmer City International Pvt Ltd (FC), a subsidiary of AVPL International, will play a critical role in this partnership. FC aims to empower farmers and enhance economic opportunities through a unique “phygital” model that integrates physical stores with digital platforms. As an aggregator of agri-tech start-ups, FC will provide farmers with training, certification, market linkages, and a wide range of agricultural services and products.
The partnership will see the integration of AVPL International’s advanced agricultural technologies with DeHaat’s network, providing farmers with enhanced tools and resources. Furthermore, AVPL International will create Dronepreneurs, who will be stationed at DeHaat stores to offer Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), including data sharing and precision farming initiatives over the next three years.
In addition to these efforts, the collaboration will focus on opening stores in agricultural mandis owned by state governments, in partnership with the National Council of State Agriculture Boards. AVPL International will also provide DaaS services across 70 locations to conduct non-agri training and deploy one drone entrepreneur at each DeHaat store.
AVPL International’s extensive presence across 12 states, along with its collaboration with the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) to conduct drone spray operations across 50 lakh acres in eight states, further underscores its commitment to transforming Indian agriculture.
The partnership will be rolled out in phases, beginning with key agricultural regions and eventually expanding to cover the entire country.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in the technological advancement of Indian farming practices, promising to usher in a new era of productivity and sustainability.