In a significant boost to India’s agricultural drone technology, Hyderabad-based startup Marut Drones has raised $6.2 million (approximately INR 52.1 crore) in a Series A funding round led by Lok Capital. Known for its advanced agricultural drone solutions, Marut Drones aims to transform India’s farming sector by leveraging this new capital to expand its tech-based offerings, enhance drone manufacturing, and reach more rural customers.
Strategic Focus on Agriculture and Food Business Models
Marut Drones plans to utilize this investment to advance agricultural technologies through drone-based solutions. The fresh funds will be directed towards creating new agricultural drone models, establishing service hubs in Tier I and Tier II cities, and expanding their channel partner network. With these hubs, Marut will offer “Drone-as-a-Service” in partnership with local service providers to support rural farmers, providing them with greater access to precision farming tools.
Expansion into Training and Research for Precision Agriculture
Founded in 2019 by IIT alumni Prem Kumar Vislawath, Sai Kumar, and Suraj Peddi, Marut Drones has been at the forefront of developing drone technology for precision agriculture. The company is on track to launch 17 drone academies dedicated to training skilled professionals and advancing research into applications like direct seeding and crop monitoring. This push will position Marut Drones as a leader in drone-powered agricultural intelligence and automation, allowing farmers to achieve higher yields with efficient resource usage.
Scale-Up Plans: Manufacturing, Marketing, and Revenue Targets
Prem Kumar Vislawath, co-founder of Marut Drones, highlighted that the funding will enable the company to expand its manufacturing capacity to produce up to 3,000 drones annually. “This capital infusion will help us strengthen our team, scale manufacturing, and drive our marketing efforts to achieve our goal of reaching INR 1,000 crore in revenue over the next five years,” he said. The startup aims to make drones more accessible to farmers across India, empowering them with the tools needed for sustainable agriculture.
Lok Capital’s Commitment to Technological Innovation
Hari Krishnan, Director at Lok Capital, emphasized that their investment would support Marut Drones in scaling new heights of innovation. “Our funding will back Marut’s market expansion, technology advancements, and indigenous manufacturing,” Krishnan noted. Lok Capital’s involvement underscores the growing investor interest in India’s agricultural tech sector, especially in emerging technologies like drones.
Diversifying Drone Applications Beyond Agriculture
In addition to agricultural applications, Marut Drones is exploring opportunities in disaster management and surveillance, signaling the versatile applications of its technology beyond farming. The startup already boasts a fleet of 750 drones and over 1,000 skilled pilots operating across 14 states, making it a key player in India’s drone ecosystem.
Marut Drones’ Expanding Portfolio and Impact
With four specialized drone models – Agricopter, Seedcopter, Marut ZAP, and Hepicopter – Marut Drones has built a strong reputation for its innovative solutions. Their DGCA-certified Agricopter, AG 365, is designed for various agricultural needs, from seeding to harvesting, and has already covered over 10,000 acres of farmland with its crop-spraying technology.
Competitive Landscape: Growth in India’s Drone Sector
Marut Drones’ funding comes at a time when India’s drone industry is seeing rapid growth, with several startups entering the UAV market. Recently, Drone Destination partnered with agritech firm DeHaat to provide drone solutions for farmers, reflecting the increasing adoption of drones in agriculture.
A Transformative Step for India’s Farming Community
This funding round marks a pivotal moment for Marut Drones and India’s agri-tech sector. By expanding drone access to rural areas and investing in innovative technologies, Marut Drones is setting a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in Indian agriculture. As the startup continues to grow, it is poised to reshape farming practices and support farmers with powerful tools for precision agriculture.
Marut Drones’ recent funding is a testament to the transformative power of drone technology in agriculture, promising a future where farmers across India have access to cutting-edge solutions that drive productivity and sustainability.
