Hyderabad: The Telangana Government is actively modernising its irrigation sector by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence (AI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the Internet of Things (IoT), according to Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy.
Speaking at the Drone Expo and Conference 2025 held at the Hitex Exhibition Centre on Saturday, Uttam Kumar Reddy reaffirmed the government’s commitment to adopting technology to enhance water security, boost agricultural productivity, and promote sustainable rural development.
The conference, organised in partnership with Rashtriya Raksha University and themed “Irrigation, AI, Space & Drones,” brought together leading experts and innovators who engaged in extensive discussions on 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.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Uttam Kumar Reddy outlined Telangana’s initiatives aimed at substantially upgrading both the physical and institutional frameworks in the irrigation sector. He highlighted the revitalisation of WALAMTARI (Water and Land Management Training and Research Institute), underscoring the government’s objective to reestablish the institute as a premier centre for training, research, and modern water management practices.
“Our strategy involves not just infrastructural improvements but also institutional strengthening. By rejuvenating WALAMTARI, we aim to foster a culture of continuous learning, research, and policy advocacy that addresses contemporary challenges in water management,” he said.
Speaking about drone technology’s transformative impact, Uttam Kumar Reddy explained that drones have become indispensable tools for precision agriculture. “They assist in monitoring crop health, conducting detailed soil analysis, managing irrigation schedules efficiently, and significantly reducing resource wastage,” he said. He emphasised that drones are not merely technological innovations but essential instruments for empowering farmers to enhance productivity and sustainability.
However, Uttam Kumar Reddy cautioned that successful technological integration demands more than just access to tools. “Technology alone cannot bring about the desired outcomes. It requires vision, effective collaboration among stakeholders, and capacity building. Events like this Drone Expo are vital in bringing startups, academia, policymakers, and industry leaders together to collaborate, innovate, and develop impactful solutions,” he added.
Encouraging the youth and innovators, Uttam Kumar Reddy urged them to adopt a solution-oriented approach. “I encourage our young minds and entrepreneurs not just to seek job opportunities but to envision and create innovative solutions with real-world impacts,” he said.
Reaffirming Telangana’s openness to collaborative innovation, he invited industry stakeholders, startups, and academia to partner with the state government in piloting new technologies. He assured that successful innovations would be embedded into the governance framework, particularly in agriculture and irrigation management.
Uttam Kumar Reddy stressed that the Drone Expo should not be seen as an isolated event but as the start of an ongoing collaboration, progressive policymaking, and promising opportunities aimed at transforming Telangana and contributing meaningfully to India’s broader technological progress.
Day 3 at Drone Expo & Conference was a remarkable finish filled with innovation, insightful discussions, and valuable connections!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone.#Day3 #ThankYou #Droneexpo2025 #Droneexpo #droneindia #drone #uav #exhibitionspace #hitex #exhibition #hyderabad pic.twitter.com/OAJ04fr02U
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