India, April 28 -- In a breakthrough development for drought management, a patent has been granted by the Indian Patent Office for an innovative system for drought monitoring and assessment that combines geospatial technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The patented invention was filed by Sandeep Gaikwad and Prof KV Kale, former SPPU Vice-Chancellor, who is currently serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (DBATU), Lonere.

Addressing the urgent need for precise and real-time drought assessment, especially for drought-prone regions like Marathwada, which faces drought episodes every 2-3 years.

"Traditional drought assessment methods such as Annewari and Paisewa...