Salam Kisan and FPOs Collaborate to Pioneer Drone-Based Spraying Service for Maharashtra Farmers

In a transformative stride towards bolstering agricultural practices, Salam Kisan, a burgeoning data-driven end-to-end agricultural platform in India, has joined hands with Farmers’ Producer Organizations (FPOs) to introduce an unprecedented drone-based spraying service for farmers in Maharashtra's Chandrapur district. This groundbreaking initiative aims to empower farmers with cutting-edge technology, thereby enhancing productivity, sustainability, and economic prosperity.

The visionary concept was unveiled on Independence Day at the Wild Vegetable Festival 2023 by Sudhir Munagantiwar, Cabinet Minister of State, and Cabinet Minister of Finance & Planning, Forests in the Government of Maharashtra. An impactful symbol of innovation, Minister Munagantiwar utilized a drone provided by Salam Kisan to hoist the national flag during the ceremony.

Salam Kisan’s pioneering drone-based spraying service is set to revolutionize pest management and agrochemical utilization. By partnering with FPOs, the company aims to democratize this technology, making it easily accessible and affordable for a diverse range of farmers. This strategic collaboration is poised to not only enhance farmers’ operational efficiency but also drive sustainable agricultural practices by significantly reducing water wastage and chemical product usage.

An added dimension to this collaboration is the assured incentives that FPOs will receive for each acreage-wise spraying order. This symbiotic approach is designed to not only benefit farmers by reducing input costs and conserving resources but also to uplift and financially empower FPOs.

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The launch event was attended by notable dignitaries who have played a pivotal role in India's agricultural progress. Salam Kisan's key figures, including Akshay Khobragade (COO), Paresh Kullarkar (Agri-Operational Manager), and the groundbreaking drone pilots Raj Sidam and Amol Kohare, were also present at the ceremony.

Dhanashree Mandhani, the Founder & CEO of Salam Kisan, underlined the commitment of the platform to empower rural communities and support sustainable change. She highlighted the alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of empowering small farmers through FPOs and the collaborative efforts of government and private entities to drive progress.

Akshay Khobragade, COO of Salam Kisan, emphasized the operational advantages of drone-based spraying. Traditional methods require significantly more water and time compared to the swift and precise approach of drone spraying. This initiative stands as a testament to Salam Kisan's dedication to enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

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A notable recognition was accorded to Raj Sidam and Amol Kohare, the pioneering tribal drone pilots, for their exceptional contributions to the agricultural sector. Salam Kisan's commitment to empowerment extends to collaborations with women-led and tribal-led FPOs. These partnerships provide essential tools and knowledge, enabling them to thrive within the agricultural ecosystem.

Salam Kisan, as a rapidly-growing data-driven agricultural ecosystem, caters to stakeholders across the agricultural value chain. From AI-enabled crop planning to drone rentals and storage facilities, the platform's comprehensive solutions have already benefitted over 22,000 farmers across 7,000 villages in India in just seven months. This transformative initiative is set to catalyze progress in Maharashtra's farming landscape, driving sustainability, prosperity, and technological advancement.

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