Coromandel International Invests INR 200 Million In Dhaksha Unmanned Systems, A Drone Startup

Coromandel has made strategic investments in technology-led agriculture and is eager to use AgTech to help farmers adopt precision agriculture and increase their productivity. Coromandel International Limited, a member of the Murugappa Group, provides a variety of goods and services along the entire farming value chain. It also keeps an eye on the adoption of technology in agriculture and has been testing drones in various locations.

Additionally, the business recently invested INR 200 million in Dhaksha Unmanned Systems Private Limited, a drone startup. Through Coromandel's venture capital division, Dare Ventures, the investment was made.

The Indian government has promoted the use of drone technology in agriculture, such as with liquid/nano fertilizers and crop protection agents. The government published SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for drone regulation for pesticide application in December 2021. Legal requirements, flying authorizations, distance restrictions in populated areas, weight classification, overcrowding restrictions in certain areas, drone registration, safety insurance, pilot certification, operation plans, air flight zones, and weather conditions were all addressed.

Mr. Arun Alagappan, Executive Vice Chairman of Coromandel International Limited, remarked on the investments, saying, "We are collaborating closely with the Startup ecosystem and increasing our presence in the Agtech space as part of Coromandel's technology focus. As a result of our investment in Daksha, we have a prominent hold in the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology solutions industry."

"Drone adoption in agriculture has the potential to significantly enhance the adequacy of agri inputs, decrease water use, increase farm mechanization, and encourage precision agriculture practices," he added. “The government has also been extremely helpful in increasing its adoption in agriculture in terms of policy and regulatory support. At Coromandel, we will continue to promote technologies that can increase the productivity of Indian farms and encourage the use of sustainable farming methods."

Dhaksha's Brief History

Dhaksha, one of India's forerunners in the drone space, offers a comprehensive range of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology solutions for a variety of applications including agriculture, defense, surveillance, and delivery, among others.

Based in Chennai, the company has developed expertise in drone R&D, testing, manufacturing, and customer support over the years.
Dhaksha is the only company in India that produces petrol-engine-powered drones in addition to developing the capability to manufacture battery-powered drones.

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