IoTechWorld Avigation Pvt Ltd: On A Mission to Bring Socioeconomic Change in Agriculture by Introducing Advanced Drone Technology

Anoop Upadhyay & Deepak Bhardwaj

It was a crucial day for IoTechWorld Avigation Pvt Ltd, an Indian Drone manufacturing company on a mission to bring socioeconomic change in agriculture by introducing advanced drone technology as the Client was on time to test the special purpose Drone designed, developed and created by Mr Deepak Bhardwaj, Co-founder & Director, Mr Anoop Upadhyay, another Co-founder & Director, and their talented team of professionals–of one of the most reliable Drone companies.

The Client (identity undisclosed due to confidentiality agreement), too, was tense as she was walking with Deepak, Anoop, and their two assistants to the testing centre, a vast area like a football field enclosed in a big modern building. The field was arranged like a farm, with tiny bushes sprouting in a line.

Now, the Client was worried because she never thought that asking for a special-purpose drone would be such an arduous task, as with her past experience with other companies, which always gave her unreliable products.

The Client reached the spot and took the specially designed model of the special-purpose Drone, which looked very top-notch. However, she thought from her past experiences that looks can be deceptive.

As she held it in her open palms, she nodded to the technician who was holding the remote to put it into action. The technician pushed a lever and began maneuvering the Drone. As it flew high, the technician handed over the remote control to the Client, who then began playing with that super-advanced toy.

Leaving her immersed in Drone flying over the farm field, Deepak and Anoop joined me for the scheduled interview, outside the flying limits of the testing centre, from where we could all see the action. As they sat at their chairs, and I on mine, we made preliminary introductions. Then Deepak said, “We’ll leave her to that. And before you came, we decided that the interview would be divided into two segments. The Business segment will be handled by me, while Anoop here will handle the Tech segment.”

Is it okay with you?”  he asked me politely. I said, “Of course, sir! Which segment should I take first?”

It’s up to you,” Deepak replied. Then Anoop said, “I think you should start with the business segment first.” Then we understood the reason. The Client wanted to know something. And Anoop, being the technical expert, waved to her and then was gone.

Thus, I began the Business segment of the interview with Deepak.

What are IoTechWorld Avigation’s key business expansion strategies?

IoTechWorld Avigation is focused on expanding its presence across India, leveraging the region’s strong agricultural base to promote drone adoption in farming. The company plans to establish regional as well as global partnerships with distributors and agricultural cooperatives, enabling widespread access to its drone technology. We also aim to increase awareness by offering financing options and specialized training programs to farmers, encouraging the integration of drones into traditional farming practices. This strategy is key to scaling its business and achieving broader market penetration in the Indian agriculture sector.

How does IoTechWorld Avigation differentiate itself in the market?

IoTechWorld Avigation distinguishes itself in the market through a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simply selling drones. As a pioneering Made in India company, IoTechWorld Avigation offers India’s first DGCA-approved agricultural Drone, the Agribot. This certification is a testament to our commitment to quality and compliance with national regulations, setting them apart in a rapidly evolving industry.

Our differentiation strategy is built on three key business models: Agricultural Entrepreneurs (AE), Drone as a Service (DaaS), and a Dealer/Distributor network. This diverse approach allows us to cater to various market segments and customer needs, ensuring that they can effectively support a wide range of agricultural applications.

IoTechWorld Avigation’s focus on agriculture is evident in the tailored solutions the company offers, which include equipment maintenance, data analytics, and on-site training for farmers. Our robust customer support and localized solutions enable them to address region-specific farming challenges effectively. A standout feature of our offerings is the emphasis on portability. We have introduced innovative Bike and Backpack models, making our drones easily transportable even to remote agricultural areas. This unique feature enhances accessibility and usability for farmers across diverse geographical locations.

By combining advanced technology with practical agricultural needs and offering flexible business models, IoTechWorld Avigation maintains a competitive edge in the Agri-tech sector, positioning itself as a trusted partner in agricultural innovation.

What are IoTechWorld Avigation’s revenue goals for the next fiscal year?

IoTechWorld Avigation aims to double its revenue in the upcoming fiscal year by capitalizing on emerging markets in southern and western India. The company plans to increase sales by expanding its customer base, particularly among small and mid-sized farmers, and intensifying its focus on agricultural drones. By strengthening its distribution channels, launching new product lines, and enhancing its after-sales services, IoTechWorld Avigation is poised for significant growth. Also, strategic partnerships with local governments and agri-cooperatives will further support its revenue ambitions.

How does IoTechWorld Avigation contribute to the ‘Make in India’ initiative?

IoTechWorld Avigation is deeply aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative by designing, manufacturing, and assembling its drones domestically. This local production model not only supports India’s self-reliance in high-tech manufacturing but also creates employment opportunities across multiple industries, from hardware design to customer service. Our commitment to local innovation and quality standards reduces dependency on imported components, thereby contributing to India’s industrial growth. Its focus on manufacturing excellence aligns with the government’s push for indigenous technological solutions and economic growth.

What partnerships has IoTechWorld Avigation formed to drive growth?

IoTechWorld Avigation has strategically partnered with agricultural cooperatives, regional governments, and distributors to accelerate the adoption of drone technology in farming. These collaborations aim to integrate advanced drone solutions into everyday farming operations, improving crop yields and reducing costs. By working closely with local authorities, IoTechWorld Avigation is able to provide subsidized drones and training programs to farmers. Also, partnerships with Agri-tech organizations allow IoTechWorld Avigation to stay at the forefront of technological innovations, ensuring continuous product and service improvements.

What is IoTech World Avigation’s long-term business vision?

IoTechWorld Avigation envisions becoming a global leader in the agricultural drone sector. Its long-term strategy focuses on driving technological advancements in precision farming and expanding its global footprint. By continually innovating, we aim to offer a suite of integrated solutions that will redefine modern agriculture, improving both efficiency and sustainability. The company is exploring opportunities in international markets, particularly in regions with growing demand for smart farming technologies. We are also investing in R&D to develop more affordable, user-friendly drones for small-scale farmers worldwide.

How does IoTechWorld Avigation manage its supply chain?

IoTechWorld Avigation has built a resilient and flexible supply chain, sourcing components both locally and globally to ensure uninterrupted production. It maintains strong relationships with trusted suppliers, ensuring high-quality materials for its drone manufacturing processes. IoTechWorld Avigation leverages advanced logistics technologies to streamline inventory management and reduce lead times. This enables the company to quickly adapt to market fluctuations and customer demands. By prioritizing supply chain efficiency and quality control, we ensure that our drones meet international standards while remaining competitively priced.

As we were waiting, we saw that the Client was very delighted, laughing and clapping while manoeuvring the remote and flying the Drone, all excited like a child. After a few minutes, Anoop joined, while Deepak went to accompany the Client. Anoop said, “Sorry! Let’s start our Tech segment,” as he sat in his chair. I nodded and began.

What makes IoTechWorld Avigation’s agricultural drones unique in the market?

IoTechWorld Avigation’s agricultural drones stand out in the market due to their advanced spraying capabilities combined with cutting-edge technology. Our drones’ pesticide and fertilizer spraying can cover one acre in just seven minutes and up to 25-30 acres daily. This rapid spraying ability significantly reduces time and labour costs for farmers. The system uses only ten litres of water per acre, saving water. Also, the precise application ensures optimal utilization of chemicals, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving crop health and yield.

Our drones are also equipped with AI-driven precision farming capabilities, multi-spectral sensors, and real-time data analytics. These features allow farmers to monitor crop health, optimize water usage, and detect pest infestations early, enabling targeted and efficient spraying operations. Designed specifically for the agricultural environment, our drones offer a robust and durable solution capable of handling diverse terrains and weather conditions. They feature advanced safety measures such as collision avoidance systems and terrain-following capabilities, ensuring safe and effective spraying even in challenging environments.

How does IoTechWorld Avigation integrate AI and IoT into its drone technology?

IoTechWorld Avigation integrates AI and IoT into its drones to offer real-time decision-making capabilities and seamless data communication. The AI algorithms analyze aerial imagery and environmental data, helping farmers identify problem areas such as nutrient deficiencies or pest infestations. IoT-enabled drones connect to a centralized platform that allows farmers to monitor field conditions remotely and receive automated alerts. This integration enables smarter farming practices, allowing farmers to make timely interventions, thereby optimizing resource use and boosting crop yields while minimizing costs.

What innovations are IoTech drones bringing to the agriculture sector?

A: IoTechWorld Avigation is pioneering innovations such as the use of multi-spectral imaging and AI-based analytics to revolutionize the agriculture sector. These drones offer farmers precise insights into soil conditions, crop health, and irrigation needs, providing actionable data to improve productivity. Advanced imaging technology detects subtle variations in plant growth, enabling early intervention for issues like pests, disease, or water stress. In addition to this, our drones can automate tasks like pesticide spraying and seeding, reducing labour requirements and increasing operational efficiency in farming.

How does IoTechWorld Avigation ensure the safety and reliability of its drones?

We ensure the safety and reliability of our drones by integrating advanced safety features such as GPS precision navigation, obstacle detection, and automated emergency landing systems (RTL). The drones are equipped with collision avoidance technology to prevent accidents during operation. Rigorous testing under various environmental conditions ensures that our drones can withstand harsh weather and rugged terrains. We also provide regular firmware updates and comprehensive support services, ensuring that the drones continue to function optimally over their lifespan.

What kind of drone training does IoTechWorld Avigation offer to its customers?

At IoTechWorld Avigation, we offer comprehensive drone training programs tailored to ensure the effective operation of our technology, particularly for farmers. To fly an agricultural drone, Remote Pilot Certification (RPC) is mandatory. To meet this requirement, we have established our own Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) in Gurugram, which has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The training curriculum covers essential aspects such as drone piloting, maintenance, and data interpretation. IoTechWorld combines classroom-based learning with practical in-field demonstrations to provide hands-on experience. The RPTO in Gurugram offers comprehensive training for small—and medium-class Drones conducted by DGCA-certified instructors to ensure adherence to the highest safety and proficiency standards.

In addition to our Gurugram facility, we have also established partnerships with DGCA-approved RPTOs across India, expanding their reach and making training more accessible to customers nationwide. This network of training centres allows IoTechWorld to offer Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) courses and specialized RPC+OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) courses that provide in-depth knowledge of specific drone models and their applications.

These training programs are designed to help farmers and other users maximize the potential of their drones, enabling them to make informed decisions based on the data collected. By providing this comprehensive training and certification, IoTechWorld ensures that its customers are not only proficient in drone operation but also compliant with local aviation regulations.

 How does IoTechWorld Avigation use data collected by drones?

A: We use drone-collected data to offer farmers actionable insights through AI-driven analytics. This data includes aerial images of crop health and soil conditions. The data is processed in real time and integrated into our precision farming software, enabling farmers to make informed decisions on irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. By utilizing this data, farmers can optimize their farming processes, reduce resource wastage, and improve yields. Our data-driven approach empowers farmers with predictive tools to plan better for future growing seasons.

What is IoTechWorld Avigation’s approach to drone maintenance and support?

IoTechWorld Avigation provides a comprehensive maintenance and support system for its drones, ensuring longevity and optimal performance. This includes regular maintenance checks, software updates, and prompt repair services. The company offers service packages that allow users to schedule periodic maintenance to avoid operational downtime. Furthermore, our customer support team is available to assist with troubleshooting and technical issues. By offering a well-rounded after-sales service, we ensure that customers can rely on their drones for uninterrupted agricultural operations year-round.

As we were finishing, we saw Deepak and the Client joining us. Deepak must have told her about me, as she said, “Yogesh, right!”

I said, “Yes! How are you?”

“Oh boy! For the first time in the last three months, I’m so happy that I couldn’t tell you. Whatever you write about them in your magazine, please write this from me. To me, IoTechWorld is the most reliable Drone company in the whole world. Trust me! And I have seen many.”

She turned to Deepak and Anoop. “Deepak and Anoop and your entire team. Hats off to you guys. You’ve given us more than we were looking for. I mean, after my past bad experiences, I thought if we could only get half of what we were hoping, then it would be good. However, you’ve blown me away. I’m calling the boss. He will join us today. Is it okay with you?” she said, all of it in a breath.

Deepak answered, “Yes, of course.” He turned to me. “Yogesh, did we answer every question of yours?”

I nodded happily and said, “Yes, sir. I’ll be leaving. I’ll call you back soon.” I, too, was amazed by the entire experience.

(Note: The entire scenario was fictional and for infotainment purposes only.)