The Next Gen Farming Revolution:Use of Drone in Agriculture
The agricultural sector makes a very significant contribution to India's GDP. Our country is recognized globally as a leading producer of pulses, milk, rice, wheat, sugarcane, spices, and more. Regardless of the current share of Indian agriculture in the GDP, there is a pressing need to substantially increase productivity and efficiency within the sector.
In this era of modern technology, new innovations and equipment are being developed and implemented in farming specifically regarding crop growth factors such as fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, farming implements, irrigation management, crop monitoring, and current production methods. Currently, the use of drones in agriculture has seen a significant rise.
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| Use of Drone in Agriculture |
What is the concept of a Drone?
The full form of the word drone is Dynamic Remotely Operated Navigation Equipment. It is an unmanned automatic aircraft that is controlled using a computer system. The device is operated either through a remote control from the ground or through a specific computer system that provides necessary instructions from time to time.
Because of this, it can perform various tasks autonomously. Such a machine is called a drone.
Example: Small drones are used for videography during events such as ceremonies and weddings.
Why is there a need to use drones in the agricultural sector?
Drones were first used mainly for military purposes; however, with changing needs, they are now extensively used in agriculture. There is an urgent need to use drones to help farmers overcome various obstacles, implement precision farming practices, avoid human errors inherent in traditional farming methods, and increase overall agricultural efficiency. They are used for various tasks such as monitoring crop health, crop treatment, crop scouting, irrigation, weed control, livestock management, crop damage assessment, crop surveys, and soil testing and analysis. Consequently, this helps in saving agricultural inputs, time, and costs, while ultimately helping to increase crop yields.
Type of Drone
1.Fixed Wing Drone
2.Single Rotor Drone
3.Multi Rotor Drone
4.Fixed Wing-Rotor Hybrid VTOL
Use of Drone Technology in Agriculture
1. Soil and Land Analysis: It is possible to analyze the condition and topography of the land.
2. Accurate Soil Testing: Soil testing can be performed accurately and instantaneously.
3. Real-time Crop Updates: Farmers receive regular and consistent updates regarding crop growth and health.
4. Accessibility in Challenging Terrain: Drones can be used for agricultural work in difficult areas such as hilly regions, steep slopes, barren lands, rugged terrain, tall crops, and marshy wetlands.
5. Saving Agricultural Inputs: Significant savings are achieved in resources like fertilizers, water, seeds, and pesticides.
6.Efficient Spraying: Using a drone, one acre can be sprayed in just 7–8 minutes. This helps save approximately 80% of water and 40% of pesticides or agrochemicals.
7. Human Health and Safety: It ensures the safety of farmers by avoiding direct contact with toxic chemicals and reducing the risk of encounters with poisonous animals (like snakes or scorpions) in the field.
8. Precision and Efficiency: Agricultural tasks are performed with high accuracy, uniformity, and overall efficiency.
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