Drones contribute to 75 percent time savings and 21 percent improvement in crop yield when compared to traditional knapsack spraying methods, as per estimates
Agriculture today faces multiple challenges like climate change, water scarcity, declining soil health, fluctuating commodity prices, and rising input prices. With the world diverging towards high-tech agribusiness and smart farming practices, drones have emerged as the saviour of this crucial sector.
Traditional pesticide application methods, relying on manual spraying equipment, have for long been criticised for posing health risks to farmers, inefficiency, and environmental repercussions. With only a meagre 20–30 percent effectiveness in pest control, the remaining 70–80 percent of applied pesticides contribute to alarming soil, water, and air contamination.
UAV-based aerial spraying is proving to be a game-changer in many ways. This cutting-edge approach signifies a transformative shift in agricultural technology. It is not just promising high pesticide use efficiency, reduced labour costs, time and energy savings, and vast and uniform coverage, but also environmental safety.
Drone-based spraying protects crops and safeguards vital ecosystem members. Ladybugs, spiders, and mirid bugs, essential for maintaining ecological balance, benefit from the minimal impact of drone spraying.
This ensures an overall ecological resilience of the agricultural landscape.As per major studies on UAV usage in agriculture, drones contribute to a remarkable 75 percent time savings and a substantial 21 percent improvement in crop yield when compared to traditional knapsack spraying methods. In a sector where time and timing are crucial, UAVs are heralding new standards of productivity.
In addition to their prowess in pest control, drones play a catalysing role in modern agriculture by extending their capabilities to encompass crop health monitoring. These unmanned aerial vehicles further contribute to the industry's advancement through their ability to assess soil health, providing farmers with valuable insights for optimal cultivation practices.
With their capacity for comprehensive data collection, drones empower tech-savvy farmers to make informed decisions on sustainable and productive agricultural landscape.
Unlike traditional manual power sprayers, drones cover large field blocks without causing soil compaction or damage to the physical structure. This feature is crucial in preserving the integrity of soil.
Moreover, drones prove highly adaptable in navigating small, complex field plots, benefiting India's diversified and undulating terrain. For perspective, more than a striking 80 percent of Indian farmers cultivate less than 5 acres of land.
Recognising the hardships faced by farmers, especially those overseeing modest land holdings, the emergence of drone technology creates pathways for aspiring entrepreneurs to offer Drone as a Service (DAAS). Approximately 35 percent of crop losses are attributed to ineffective crop protection measures.
However, UAVs tackle the obstacles confronting small-scale farmers and provide a chance for emerging entrepreneurs to make meaningful contributions to the agricultural sector. Through the provision of drones on a pay-per-acre basis, these visionaries can aid farmers in optimising crop protection strategies, minimising losses, and nurturing a more sustainable and economically viable farming ecosystem.
The integration of drones in agriculture goes far beyond environmental advantages, significantly impacting the well-being of farmers. By diminishing the reliance on traditional pesticide methods, drone technology fosters a healthier work environment for agricultural workers.
This reduction in direct exposure to harmful chemicals in pesticides not only enhances physical well-being but also addresses longstanding concerns related to farmers' health. This shift not only safeguards the immediate health of farmers but also contributes to the overall improvement of their lives, aligning with the broader goal of sustainable and health-conscious agriculture.
Increasing Minimum Support Prices (MSP) alone isn't the solution to bolstering farmers' incomes. Drones play a pivotal role in driving down costs by optimising agrochemical spraying and mitigating the risks of phytotoxicity.
This revolutionary approach also brings down Maximum Residual Levels (MRL), ensuring healthier crops and fruits.For instance, agricultural drones used on 650 acres of land can contribute to as much as 6.6 lakhs in profits for the farmers.
Collaborating with 80 drone academies in India, the Government of India has successfully trained more than 8956 DGCA drone pilots, according to Digital Sky. The drone industry is actively engaged in empowering women through the development of self-help groups, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's launch of the Pradhan Mantri Mahila Kisan Drone Kendra specifically aimed at supporting women-led agricultural initiatives.
This initiative aligns with the government's mission to empower women farmers and enhance the profitability of agriculture. Both the central and state governments are committed to providing subsidies that significantly reduce procurement costs for farmers. Industry experts anticipate widespread adoption of UAVs in agriculture, transcending income barriers.
Drones are not just technological wonders but pivotal players in steering agriculture towards a greener and more sustainable future.
From protecting beneficial ecosystem members to optimising resource utilisation, drones prove to be indispensable tools for modern agriculture, ensuring soil health, and improving farmers' lives.
(Prem Kumar Vislawath, Founder and CEO, Marut Drones)