Hyderabad-based Marut Dronetech has raised $6.2 million in Series A funding from Lok Capital, a major investment fund focused on social impact sectors in India. Founded in 2019 by Prem Kumar Vislawath, Suraj Peddi, and Sai Kumar Chinthala, Marut Drones specializes in drone applications across agriculture, healthcare, and disaster management.

Key Achievements and Certifications

Marut gained recognition for deploying drones to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to remote areas, conduct large-scale seeding, and manage mosquito control operations. The company holds DGCA certification for drone manufacturing and training services.

Funding Allocation

According to Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO of Marut Drones, the new funding will support:

• Development of advanced agricultural drones tailored to farmers' needs.
• Expansion of service centers in Tier 2 and 3 cities to improve access for rural customers.
• Establishment of drone agriculture service hubs offering Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) in collaboration with partners.
• Launch of 17 drone academies to train professionals and promote drone entrepreneurship.
• Enhanced R&D efforts in partnership with leading Indian institutions for advanced applications like direct seeding and crop monitoring.

Growth Plans and Vision

Prem Kumar stated that Marut aims to achieve ₹1,000 crore in revenue within five years and scale manufacturing capacity to 3,000 drones per year. "This investment reinforces Marut’s commitment to empowering farmers and expanding drone-based services," he added.

Hari Krishnan, Director at Lok Capital, highlighted the potential for Marut's drones to transform agriculture and support rural economies. "Our investment will aid Marut in expanding its market, innovating new technology, and building an indigenous manufacturing ecosystem," he said.

Impact on Rural Economies

Marut’s drone technology addresses multiple agricultural challenges, promoting crop health, conserving water, and reducing chemical exposure while enhancing yields. By establishing a pan-India presence, Marut seeks to drive economic activity, create rural employment, and foster village-level entrepreneurship.

Future of Drone Technology

With a fleet of 750 drones and over 1,000 trained pilots across 14 Indian states, Marut Drones is at the forefront of India's drone ecosystem. Its flagship AG365H drone—India’s first DGCA Type Certified agricultural and fish-feeding drone—was recently launched by Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister and India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, underscoring Marut’s growing role in the sector.

Source: The Siasat Daily