In a bid to galvanize Indian agriculture and safeguard the nation’s food supply, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare recently enacted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for deploying drones in agricultural operations. The advent of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), popularly referred to as drones, promises to revolutionize farming practices across the country. India’s first brush with this cutting-edge technology was during the use of drones to counter locust invasions in several states.
The Drone Protocol: An Overview
The SOP encompasses various elements including statutory provisions, flight permissions, area and distance restrictions, drone registration, and more. Aspects like weight classification, restriction in overcrowded areas, safety insurance, pilot certification, operational plans, air flight zones, and weather conditions are also covered under the protocol. Additionally, guidelines for pre, post, and during operation, as well as emergency handling plan, are included in the SOPs.
Drones: A New Armament in Pesticide Application
Pesticides, being critical agri-inputs, guard crops against diverse pests which otherwise could jeopardize the farmers’ entire investment. Conventional pesticide spray methods are fraught with issues such as excessive chemical application, lower spray uniformity, unnecessary deposition and uneven coverage, leading to overuse of chemicals, water and soil pollution, and higher expenses. Also, the safety of operators using manual sprayers remains a significant concern.
Drones are aimed at enhancing efficiency through precision pesticide spraying and crop nutrient application. They ensure accuracy, uniform spray, reduced chemical usage, and operator safety.
Additional Uses and Benefits of Drones in Agriculture
Drones equipped with high-end features like multispectral cameras can monitor crop health, detect weed-infested areas, and identify infections and pest attacks. They can optimize chemical use by applying the exact amount necessary to counter infestations, potentially doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
Startups have developed drone planting systems that shoot seed pods and nutrient sprays into the soil. This technology boosts crop management efficiency, reduces cost, and enhances agricultural productivity. Additionally, the use of drones could create employment opportunities in rural areas.
Drone Regulations in India
In addition to the SOPs, drone usage in India is governed by the Drone Rules, 2021, and the National Counter Rogue Drones Guidelines of 2019. To ensure safety and legality, all drone operations must abide by these regulations.
Adapting modern technologies like drones into traditional farming practices will undoubtedly pave the way for a more productive and efficient agricultural sector, thereby empowering farmers and propelling India towards its goal of food security.