In a significant step forward for drought preparedness and management, the Indian Patent Office has granted a patent for an advanced system that utilizes AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and geospatial technologies to monitor and assess drought conditions in real time.
Designed to address the pressing need for accurate and timely drought data—particularly in vulnerable regions like Marathwada, which frequently faces water shortages—the system offers a modern alternative to outdated assessment methods.
“Conventional techniques such as Annewari and Paisewari, while historically relevant, are not equipped to deliver the precision and speed required for effective drought response today,” said Prof. Kale. “These methods often delay estimates until months after crop damage has occurred—December for Kharif and March for Rabi—hampering timely relief efforts.”
The patented technology was the result of collaborative research led by Gaikwad with critical contributions from Dr. Amol Vibhute, Dr. Rajesh Dhumal, and Dr. Rupali Surase. Their innovation integrates satellite-based remote sensing, mobile-based field data collection, and IoT-enabled sensor networks to deliver highly accurate and localized drought assessments.
A pilot implementation of the system was carried out in the Vaijapur tehsil of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, a region known for recurrent droughts. According to Gaikwad, the new system demonstrated strong potential to transform the way droughts are tracked and responded to.
“This solution provides real-time, location-specific insights that can help authorities and farmers take timely preventive measures, ultimately minimizing the agricultural and socio-economic impact of droughts,” Gaikwad explained.
Prof. Kale added that the system is not only scalable but also adaptable for use in other drought-prone areas across India. The team believes that this technology could play a vital role in strengthening the country’s resilience to climate-induced challenges in agriculture.