New Delhi
Optiemus Unmanned Systems (OUS), a subsidiary of Optiemus Infracom Limited, a prominent Indian telecommunications and electronics manufacturer, announced on Thursday an investment of Rs 140 crore to introduce a pioneering ‘Drone as a Service’ model for the agriculture sector. By the end of 2025, OUS aims to deploy a fleet of 5,000 drones designed specifically for agricultural and mapping purposes, all powered by locally manufactured components.
The company plans to train around 6,000 drone pilots to manage this extensive fleet, projecting service revenues of Rs 600 crore to Rs 900 crore by the end of next year.
Ashok Kumar Gupta, Chairman of Optiemus Infracom Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to transforming traditional farming methods, enhancing crop yields, and promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship through this initiative.
Optiemus has already developed a portfolio of military-grade drones and has begun supplying drones to India’s defence and paramilitary forces, marking a significant expansion beyond civilian applications.
Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ vision, the company aims to support and uplift the farming community, integral to the nation’s prosperity. As part of this commitment, OUS has launched the ‘Agri Shakti 10L’, an agricultural drone priced from Rs 2.25 lakh plus GST. This drone can operate for up to 15 minutes with a 10-litre spray tank, capable of covering approximately one acre in just 7 minutes.
