In a remarkable feat of innovation, Bengaluru-based engineer Jaisimha Rao has pioneered AI-powered spot spray robots that are transforming crop protection for farmers in India. These robots selectively spray agrochemicals onto plants, sparing the soil from excessive chemical exposure. This groundbreaking technology is not only enhancing crop health but also reducing the health hazards and labor costs associated with traditional pesticide spraying methods.
Traditionally, Indian farmers have relied on labor-intensive methods for crop protection, involving manual pesticide spraying that posed risks to both their health and the environment. Moreover, these practices often resulted in excessive chemical use and high labor costs, adversely affecting their crop yields and income.
To address these challenges, Niqo Robotics, founded by Jaisimha Rao in 2015, embarked on a mission to create accessible and reliable robots tailored for sustainable farming. In August 2023, the company unveiled its game-changing ‘AI-powered spot spray robots.’
These robots employ a three-step process: “see, select, spray.” Equipped with advanced day and night-vision cameras, they can identify individual plants and apply the precise amount of pesticides needed, effectively reducing chemical pollution while optimizing crop protection.
More than 500 farmers in Maharashtra and Karnataka have already adopted this technology, significantly cutting their pesticide and labor costs. For a nominal fee of Rs 350 per acre, farmers lease these robots, witnessing firsthand the impressive results in terms of both cost savings and improved crop health.
Yogesh Raut, a satisfied user, attested to the benefits: “My work is getting done in half the amount, and additionally, we are saving on the pesticide costs too.” He also highlighted the time-saving aspect, as the robots secure the fields within just two hours compared to the entire day required for manual spraying.
While farmers have embraced the technology, convincing them of the importance of selective spraying remains a challenge. Many still believe that more spraying leads to higher yields. Nonetheless, Niqo Robotics has already sprayed over 1 lakh acres of farmland this year, with plans to expand the technology to cover more regions and crops in the near future.
For Jaisimha Rao, this journey represents a fulfilling endeavor to address critical issues in Indian agriculture, such as labor shortages and resource efficiency. His innovative robotics solutions are not only optimizing farming operations but also reducing agriculture’s environmental impact.
As Jaisimha puts it, “Our journey has only just begun, and we are dedicated to continuing our work in this sector and beyond, pushing the frontiers of what is possible with robots and automation.” Niqo Robotics is undoubtedly on a path to revolutionize Indian agriculture for the better.
Jaisimha Rao is on a mission to build accessible and reliable robots for long term and sustainable farming.
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