April 30, 2020: Astral Aerial Solutions, the subsidiary of Nairobi-based cargo airline Astral Aviation has started working with the World Bank for its One Million Farmer Platform project. Sanjeev S Gadhia, founder & CEO of Astral Aerial Solutions revealed this news during a webinar organised by the STAT Trade Times on ‘Drones and UAVs for delivering vital healthcare supplies in a pandemic’ on April 29.

The agricultural project which includes mapping started on April 27. Gadhia stated, “Due to Covid-19, Kenya has fast tracked its drone regulations and we are happy to be associated with the World Bank. In the second phase, we will start our Training Academy in Kenya with a South African partner."

Amid Covid-19, Astral Aerial is providing solutions for inspection & broadcast, spraying disinfectants, and last mile delivery of PPEs. He added, “The real opportunity lies in the last mile delivery of PPEs and other medical supplies in the rural areas where infrastructure lacks.”

During the coronavirus pandemic, infestation of desert locusts in East Africa has been one of the major concerns in Africa. Astral Aerial is even offering solution for locust control and reforestation.