**Technological Evolution in Indian Agriculture: A Case Study on Precision Drone Spraying, Agri-Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Farming Practices**
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Based on the detailed research paper you provided, here are the combined title, alternative titles, subtitles, and a comprehensive description. --- --- ### **Alternative Titles**1. **From Manual Labor to Aerial Precision: The Rise of 'Neknasi' Drones and Youth-Led Agri-Tech Startups in India**2. **Sensor-Based Spraying and Rural Entrepreneurship: An Analysis of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Indian Agriculture**3. **The Skies Over the Farmland: A Case Study on Drone Technology, Cost Efficiency, and the Future of Indian Farming** --- ### **Subtitle***A detailed analysis of the 'Neknasi' drone technology—featuring sensor-based precision targeting, NPNT regulatory compliance, and low-maintenance costs—and its impact on sustainable farming, occupational health, and rural employment.* --- ### **Detailed Description** **Overview:**This research paper investigates the transformative impact of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) on Indian agriculture, using the *Eenadu* feature on the "Neknasi" startup as a primary case study. The study explores the shift from traditional, labor-intensive pesticide application to automated, sensor-driven drone technology. By analyzing specific technical parameters such as spray height, payload capacity, and maintenance costs, the paper demonstrates how indigenous innovation is addressing critical challenges in the agricultural sector. **Key Themes:*** **Technological Innovation:** The paper details the 'Neknasi' drone's proximity sensor technology, which ensures that pesticides are sprayed only over crops, minimizing waste and environmental runoff.* **Entrepreneurship:** It chronicles the journey of civil engineers Nikhil Rajput and Nilesh Patil, who founded 'Neknasi' to solve the health hazards of manual spraying. Their "Drone-as-a-Service" (DaaS) model makes the technology accessible to small and marginal farmers.* **Economic and Social Impact:** The research highlights the economic viability of the technology (low motor replacement costs), its role in improving occupational health by eliminating direct chemical exposure, and its potential to create new rural employment opportunities for drone pilots and technicians.* **Regulatory Compliance:** The inclusion of "No Permission No Take-off" (NPNT) software is examined as a crucial step toward integrating commercial drones into India's evolving aviation regulatory framework. **Conclusion:**The paper concludes that while challenges remain in terms of farmer adoption and technological robustness, agri-drones represent a vital step toward a more sustainable, profitable, and technologically empowered agricultural future for India.
Author: geruganti, sudhakar
Language: English
Topic: Smart Agriculture and AI
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225567964