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Drone Training Expands Beyond Agriculture

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, March 8th 2026 at 17:18 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

Beyond Agriculture: Diverse Applications Driving Demand

The focus extends far beyond simply teaching individuals to fly drones. The centre's curriculum will incorporate specialized modules tailored to specific industry needs. In agriculture, drones are revolutionizing farming practices through precision spraying, crop health monitoring, and yield estimation. The ability to identify stressed plants early on, for example, can dramatically improve efficiency and reduce resource waste. SVU is partnering with local agricultural collectives to provide real-world case studies and internship opportunities.

Infrastructure inspection is another area experiencing substantial growth. Drones can safely and efficiently inspect bridges, power lines, pipelines, and other critical infrastructure, identifying potential problems before they escalate into costly repairs or safety hazards. The centre will train technicians to utilize drones equipped with thermal imaging and LiDAR technology for detailed inspections. This is particularly relevant for Andhra Pradesh's ambitious infrastructure development projects.

Surveying and mapping are also being transformed by drone technology. Traditional land surveying methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Drones can capture high-resolution aerial imagery and create accurate 3D models of landscapes, enabling faster and more cost-effective mapping for urban planning, construction, and environmental monitoring.

Furthermore, the centre is exploring opportunities in the rapidly developing logistics sector. While widespread drone delivery is still some years away, drones are already being used for last-mile delivery in remote areas and for transporting medical supplies and emergency equipment.

A team of experts representing SVU, NSDC, and APSDC recently convened to finalize the establishment details. Prof. M. Ramachandra Rao, Registrar of SVU, highlighted the importance of collaboration. "This partnership leverages the strengths of each organization - SVU's academic expertise, NSDC's national reach in skill development, and APSDC's understanding of local industry needs."

A State-Wide Impact & Future Expansion The launch of this centre aligns with the Andhra Pradesh government's broader strategy to promote skill development and foster economic growth. The APSDC is actively investing in various skill development initiatives across the state, and the SVU Drone Skill Development Centre is expected to be a flagship program. The university plans to scale the program in future years, offering advanced courses and potentially expanding the centre's capacity to accommodate a larger number of students.

SVU is also exploring collaborations with international institutions specializing in drone technology to stay abreast of the latest advancements. The university intends to establish a research and development wing within the centre, focusing on innovation in drone applications and the development of new technologies.

With its comprehensive curriculum, industry partnerships, and commitment to innovation, the Sri Venkateswara University Drone Skill Development Centre is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of drone technology in Andhra Pradesh and beyond.