CG getting tech savvy, using drones for spraying on agricultural field

Raipur (By Raveesh Benjamin) . The Complete Agriculture Drone Solution has been launched in Chhattisgarh. At present the drones are helpful in spraying on fields in 20 villages in state and this is a new initiative in the country.The new technique was launched as part of the Hareli Tihar Celebrations in the Durg district, a programme was held in Karsa village in the Patan Block recently. As per the official statement by using the agriculture drones, the medicine can be spread on four acres of field in half an hour.Through the machine, one can also determine how much medication is needed. In response to the issue of labour availability, the statement said that the farmers usually spread medicine on one acre of land in three hours. This method will actually help the farmers to save time and also increase their income. Along with that, the state also launched an Agri Ambulance, which will bring the agriculture lab to the site for testing. The drone technology would enhance farming in many ways, according to the people associated with the project. A significant feature of the project is that it will operate in a public-private partnership model. A single machine can serve 20 villages, and any working group can use it.Only the youth group would be allowed and trained to operate the drone. This innovation with ancestral methods and modern technology, the farming sector can reach new heights.The modern method will encourage farmers to use such innovations and to promote technology-driven farming and also make use of the Agri-Ambulance, which will provide organic manure. In addition to being technically proficient, the members of the group can engage in livelihood activities other than farming.

Expressing his views on new farming technology, Rajkumar Dhiwar, known agriculturalist said that smallholder farmers in Chhattisgarh will play a vital role in achieving food security and nutrition, yet they are often overlooked by development policies and lack access to the technology and information needed to increase their agricultural productivity. In a state like Chhattisgarh where smallholder farmers make up over 80% of the population and face a range of risks and challenges, including vulnerability to climate change, that threaten their livelihoods, food security, and nutrition. While drones and precision agriculture technology have had a significant impact on agriculture in high-income state, their application by smallholder farmers in low-income countries is not well understood. Dhiwar added that drones can assist smallholder farmers in increasing their agricultural productivity and food security in Chhattisgarh. The smallholders perceive the use of drones and the potential benefits and limitations of using drones in their farming .

Meanwhile, Dinesh Sahu, well known farmers activist lauded the state government for noosting drone farming in State. He said that these aerial marvels can cover vast fields quickly, providing vigilant crop surveillance and early issue detection, leading to reduced losses and higher yields. Additionally, drones facilitate efficient resource management through targeted fertilizer and pesticide application, reducing costs and environmental impact. Sahu added that rather than spraying an entire field, which can lead to a negative environmental impact, agriculture drones for spraying can apply spot treatments of pesticides and fertilizers. This can help reduce agricultural runoff and chemical drift, benefiting nearby crops and the soil.