metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana government is actively modernizing its irrigation ecosystem by leveraging advanced technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence (AI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Internet of Things (IoT), said Minister for Irrigation Uttam Kumar Reddy.

Speaking at the Drone Expo and Conference 2025 held at Hitex Exhibition Centre on Saturday, the Minister emphasized the government's commitment to harnessing technology to achieve greater water security, improve agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable rural development.

The conference, organized in partnership with Rashtriya Raksha University and themed "Irrigation, AI, Space & Drones," brought together leading experts and innovators who extensively discussed advancements in precision agriculture, water management strategies, rural infrastructure development, AI-driven unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications, and the integration of drone technology with space-based remote sensing capabilities.

On the occasion, Uttam Kumar Reddy outlined the ongoing initiatives by the Telangana government aimed at significantly upgrading both physical and institutional infrastructure in the irrigation sector.

He highlighted the revitalization of WALAMTARI (Water and Land Management Training and Research Institute), underscoring the government's ambition to reestablish the institute as a premier training and research centre dedicated to modern water management and irrigation practices.

The Minister further elaborated on the role of drone technology in agriculture, describing it as transformative. ‘Drones have become indispensable for precision agriculture. They help monitor crop health, provide detailed soil analysis, manage irrigation schedules efficiently, and significantly reduce resource wastage,’ he explained. The Minister emphasized that drones are not merely technological tools, but critical assets enabling farmers to enhance their productivity and sustainability.

However, Uttam Kumar Reddy pointed out that the successful implementation of these technologies requires more than just their availability. ‘Technology alone cannot bring about the desired outcomes. It requires vision, effective collaboration among stakeholders, and capacity building. Events like this Drone Expo play a pivotal role in bringing startups, academia, policymakers, and industry leaders together to collaborate, innovate, and develop impactful solutions,’ he added.