Sky's the limit: AVPL International is driving change, one drone at a time
Energy and utilities: For surveys of large areas and inspecting pipelines, power lines, and other infrastructure
Industrial security: For dynamic, real-time surveillance and threat detection
Mining and metals: For valuable insights on mineral deposits and terrain
GIS surveying and mapping: For high-resolution aerial imagery and data
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Since its inception in 2016, AVPL International (formerly AITMC Ventures) has soared to new heights in India's nascent, but fast-growing drone industry. Headquartered in Gurugram, this small enterprise, positioned at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and development, has enabled agri-businesses to adopt precision farming and drone-based solutions. The outcome? Better yields, cost reduction, and new livelihoods.AVPL has a Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) model that has deployed its pioneering agricultural drone, VIRAJ, for crop monitoring, pesticide spraying, and seed broadcasting. Its collaboration with the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has facilitated drone spraying across five million-plus acres in eight states, conserving water, reducing pesticide use, and enhancing yields.Apart from precision agriculture, AVPL's drone are deployed in industries such as:The drone maker has also invested heavily in domestic manufacturing, in line with Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. With a planned Rs 15 crore, 16,000 sq ft facility in Bihta, Bihar capable of producing 24,000 drones every year, AVPL projects the creation of roughly 10,000 jobs. In the run up to this, it has launched an expansive skills and incubation programme. In partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation, AVPL has established over 70 RPTO-certified training hubs across 12 Indian states, training more than 130,000 individuals to date. This has empowered people from rural and economically-disadvantaged backgrounds to become 'dronepreneurs' who offer local drone services, earning Rs 20,000–25,000 per month after training.AVPL's rural empowerment approach has three additional prongs: 31 planned 'Drone Aero-Vision Labs', support for the SVAMITVA scheme run by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and 'Drone Didi' programmes that platform women's inclusion in this sector. Through this three-pronged strategy, AVPL is aiming to connect over 140 million farmers with drone technology, and create 80,000 agri-entrepreneurs and 65,000 dronepreneurs.That's not all. AVPL also has strategic collaborations with premier institutions such as IIT Kanpur and IIT Ropar. This underscores the company's dedication to research and development and its to deliver cutting-edge solutions to unique Indian challenges.This holistic approach earned AVPL the accolade of 'Fastest-growing MSME (Small)' at the ET MSME Awards 2024, India's most credible MSME awards. By seamlessly blending innovation, skill development, and local manufacturing, AVPL is positioning India as a global leader in drone technology for social good.For more winner vignettes of the ET MSME Awards , keep an eye on this space.
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