In an age where the challenges facing our planet are growing deeper—climate unpredictability, food insecurity, and ocean degradation—science is finding hope in the smallest of inventions. One such spark of innovation comes not from large satellites or massive machinery, but from something much smaller: nano and small drones.
At the helm of this quiet revolution is Dr. Jolly Masih, Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of International Affairs, School of Management, BML Munjal University, India. Alongside, Doc Scientist, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
Why Nano and Small Drones
Farmers today face a complex set of hurdles—changing rainfall patterns, soil fatigue, pest infestations, and rising input costs. For small and marginal farmers, especially in India, these issues can threaten livelihoods entirely. While technologies like satellites and large drones exist, they often fail to offer the kind of precision needed on small plots of land.
That’s where nano and small drones come in.
“These drones are not just flying gadgets—they’re decision-makers in the sky,” says Dr. Masih. “They give smallholder farmers the power to act based on real-time data about their crops.”
With lightweight frames and AI-powered imaging systems, these drones can scan fields for pest outbreaks, detect nutrient deficiencies, monitor irrigation patterns, and even forecast yield. The cost is significantly lower than traditional tech solutions, and their portability makes them ideal for rural landscapes.
Over the past few years, Dr. Masih has worked with research institutions like the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, NIAM in Jaipur, and IRMA in Anand to test these drones in real field conditions. Her team has created drone prototypes—AgroFly, EcoFly, and Robotic Eagle—each tailored to address a unique challenge on the ground.
“These aren’t just prototypes built in labs,” she adds. “We’ve flown them in wheat fields in Haryana and vineyards in the Netherlands. We’ve talked to the farmers, trained them, and evolved the design based on their needs.”
Taking Flight Over Oceans: The Next Big Leap
But Dr. Masih isn’t stopping with land.
Her latest research is taking flight over an entirely different terrain—our oceans. Recognising the fragility of marine ecosystems and the growing threats of pollution and overfishing, she’s now exploring how nano drones can be used for monitoring coral reefs, tracking oil spills, observing aquaculture zones, and even detecting microplastics.
“The marine environment requires a gentler touch,” she says. “You can’t send a heavy machine into a coral reef. You need something small, agile, and smart—something that can hover, dip into the water, and send back real-time environmental data.”
Her upcoming research initiative, currently in the design and prototyping phase, aims to build amphibious nano drones that can fly over coastlines and briefly submerge into water. Early designs focus on multi-sensor payloads for underwater imaging, temperature sensing, and pollution detection. Collaborations are already in motion with marine institutes in both India and Europe.
Beyond the Lab: A Vision Rooted in Impact
What makes Dr. Masih’s work especially inspiring is its grounded, people-first approach. From YouTube modules in regional languages that teach drone usage, to open-field demo days where farmers and students alike try their hand at flying, her research is deeply inclusive.
“We’re not just building tech—we’re building confidence,” she says. “When a 55-year-old farmer in Rajasthan learns to fly a drone and then uses it to boost his crop output, that’s when you know you're onto something meaningful.”
Her team’s work is already influencing government discussions around drone subsidies in agriculture and marine resource planning. With an eye on the future, she’s pushing for a global research coalition that connects agriculture, aquaculture, and AI in a common mission for sustainability.
Looking Ahead
From mustard fields in Haryana to coral beds in the Indian Ocean, the trajectory of Dr. Jolly Masih’s drones proves one thing—impact doesn’t always need to be large to be powerful.
“The goal,” she smiles, “is to make sure every inch of land and sea—whether it’s a rice field or a reef—can be understood, protected, and empowered by technology.”
Post a Comment