Advancing Agriculture: ICAR Demonstrates Agri-Drones for Modern Farming

Key Highlights

• ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute showcases agri-drone technology in Old Goa.
• Drones offer benefits like increased efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reduced chemical exposure.
• Practical applications demonstrated: pest control in paddy fields, nutrition provision to crops.
• India aspires to lead the global drone market, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

In a bid to revolutionize farming practices, 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 highlight the potential benefits of using drones in modern agriculture.

Unlocking the Potential of Agri-Drones: Advantages Explored

Dr. Parveen Kumar, the Director of ICAR-CCARI, Goa, emphasized the numerous advantages of incorporating drones into farming. These include increased efficiency, and cost-effectiveness by cutting down on spraying costs, better conservation of fertilizers and pesticides, saving water, and reducing human exposure to harmful chemicals. Dr. Kumar urged farmers to adopt drone technology to monitor crop health accurately and manage resources effectively on their farms.

Also Read: Benefits for Farmers from 'e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi Scheme'

Empowering Farmers: Practical Applications and Future Prospects

Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, ICAR-CCARI, North Goa, discussed the practical uses and different types of agricultural drones. He highlighted how drones help farmers apply agricultural chemicals quickly and precisely, outperforming traditional methods in terms of effectiveness and affordability. During the demonstration, officials showcased how drones effectively controlled pests in paddy fields and provided nutrition to cowpea crops, demonstrating the real-world benefits of drone technology in agriculture.

Also Read: Sugarcane Crops are at Risk this Month: Protect Your Crop from Black Bug Disease

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 related 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 in New Delhi. The event provided a platform for key stakeholders to discuss the future 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, highlighted 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.

Also Read: Modernizing Farming: ICAR-CRIDA & IFFCO Host Kisan Mela Featuring Drone Technology in Agriculture

CMV360 Says

The demonstration of agri-drone technology showcased its potential to revolutionize farming practices, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. With growing interest and support from stakeholders, India's ambition to become a major player in the global drone market reflects a promising future for agricultural innovation and technological advancement.