Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni has launched the 'Droni,' a made-in-India camera drone with advanced features manufactured by Garuda Aerospace. Dhoni is the brand ambassador of Garuda Aerospace, a company that has attempted to offer drone solutions for agricultural pesticide spraying, solar panel cleaning, industrial pipeline inspections, mapping, surveying, public announcements, and delivery services.
With 'Droni,' it has entered the consumer drone market. According to Agnishwar Jayaprakash, the company's founder and CEO, the product will be available in the market by the end of 2022. The event in Chennai also saw the introduction of a new 'Kisan Drone' aimed at the agriculture sector, specifically spraying applications. This battery-powered drone can spray agricultural pesticides over a land area of 30 acres per day.
Dhoni said at the event that he became interested in agriculture during the COVID-19 lockdown. The cricketer also emphasised the importance of drones for farmers.
"Our Droni drone is indigenous and can be used for various surveillance purposes," said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. “From a technological and construction standpoint, it is efficient, seamless, and of high quality. We hope that by providing Make in India drones, we can not only become Aatmanirbhar for the demand for drones, but also put India on the map as a hub for superior quality, safe, and secure drone and drone-based solutions."
Anand Kumar Das, President of the Indian Drone Association and Former Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force, stated that the platform will play an important role in promoting and growing the drone industry.
"I am extremely pleased to serve on a platform where industry stakeholders can connect to learn more about the drone industry, and I am delighted to co-organize the Global Drone Expo with Garuda Aerospace," he said.
The Global Drone Expo drew over 1,500 participants from 14 international drone companies and representatives from over 28 states and union territories, attracting investors, youth, and stakeholders and laying out a future path for the drone industry.
A platform was provided for industry experts, farmers, dealers, distributors, people from the banking and insurance sectors, education-financial institutions, government representatives, pilots, and various investors to gain insights into drone culture and the various possibilities associated with the use of drones.
