Agricultural Innovation Takes Flight: ICAR Showcases Agri-Drones for Modern Farming

The ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute's Krishi Vigyan Kendra organized a demonstration on agri-drone technology in Old Goa. The event aimed to showcase the potential of utilizing drones in modern farming methods. With a focus on reducing laborious tasks, enhancing productivity, estimating crop yield, managing soil health, identifying pests and diseases, and detecting nutritional deficiencies, the demonstration drew attention from both farmers and other stakeholders alike.

Unlocking the Potential of Agri-Drones: Advantages Explored

Dr. Parveen Kumar, the Director of ICAR-CCARI, Goa, emphasized the myriad benefits of integrating drones into agricultural practices. These advantages include heightened efficiency, cost-effectiveness through reduced spraying costs, conservation of fertilizers and pesticides, water conservation, and decreased human exposure to harmful chemicals. Dr. Kumar urged farmers to embrace drone technology to precisely monitor crop health and optimize resource allocation on their farms.

Empowering Farmers: Practical Applications and Future Prospects

Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, ICAR-CCARI, North Goa, delved into the practical applications and diverse types of agricultural drones. He highlighted how drones enable farmers to apply agrochemicals swiftly and accurately, surpassing traditional methods in terms of efficacy and affordability. During the demonstration, officials showcased the effective control of ear head bugs in paddy fields and the provision of foliar nutrition to cowpea crops, underscoring the benefits of drone technology in real-world agricultural settings.

A total of 81 farmers and officials actively participated in and benefited from the event, signaling a growing interest and recognition of the potential of agri-drones in transforming agricultural practices in the region.

India's Ambitious Vision for the Drone Sector

In a parallel development, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry's BHARAT DRONE MANTHAN 2024 hosted a two-day Expo on Innovations and Technological Advancement in the Drones Ecosystem; UTM; UAM, AAM systems & Allied Industries on March 27-28, 2024 at PHD House, New Delhi. The event provided a platform for key stakeholders to discuss the trajectory of the drone industry in India. Amitabh Kant, India's G20 Sherpa, outlined the immense growth potential of the sector, with projections indicating exponential expansion in sales turnover. Kant emphasized India's aspirations to capture a significant share of the global drone market, aiming to become a major player in the industry.

Echoing Kant's sentiments, Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, underscored the transformative impact of drones on various sectors beyond surveillance and entertainment. With a projected global market value set to soar to USD 100 billion by 2030, Srivastava emphasized India's favorable landscape for drone industry expansion, buoyed by government support and a burgeoning culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.