Recently, 100 Kisan drones were launched by the Prime Minister with the intent to enhance agricultural practices around India. Alongside this launch was the introduction of the “Drone Kisan Yatra,” which encourages pesticide-free farming. Announced in the Budget 2022, these measures serve the larger goal of inclusive drone development and empowerment of farmers. This follows a government ban on drone imports to promote domestic manufacturing under the Drone Shakti Scheme. To make drones more accessible, revised guidelines were issued under the “Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization” (SMAM) scheme in January 2022.
Kisan Drones: A Closer Look
The Kisan drone is a game-changer for farming. Its design allows it to carry a tank filled with insecticides and nutrients unmanned. With a high capacity of 5 to 10 kg, a drone can cover an acre of land within just 15 minutes, drastically reducing manual labor and time. Uniform spraying ensures optimal use of pesticides. Additionally, Kisan drones can transport goods like vegetables, fish, and fruits from farms directly to markets, resulting in less damage, quicker delivery, higher profits for locals like farmers and fishermen.
The Significance of Kisan Drones
Kisan drones hold great potential to revolutionize agriculture in India. They can contribute to crop evaluation, land record digitization, and efficient spraying of insecticides and nutrients. Their ability to transport fresh produce directly from farms to markets also implies a major shift that could increase farm profits. Moreover, the burgeoning drone market concurrently creates new job opportunities and boosts youth employment.
Potential Challenges to Drone Adoption
While the drones offer much promise, experts in the agricultural sector have expressed some reservations. One concern centers around the effectiveness of drones in actually increasing farmers’ income. Skepticism arises as the government has yet to fulfill its previous promise of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. Though drones may improve crop production by facilitating pesticide and fertilizer distribution, critics worry that it’s the industries, rather than the farmers, that might reap most benefits.
The Evolution of Drone Use
Drone technology’s application has undergone significant evolution. Once perceived exclusively as tools for armed forces and conflict resolution, drones are now being used for diverse societal needs. The introduction of Kisan drones signifies a new era in the agricultural sector, marking a milestone for drone technology. Garud Aerospace, for instance, aims to develop 100,000 drones for various uses. Under the SWAMITVA scheme, drones document land records. They’re also employed to supply medicines and vaccines nationwide and to spray pesticides on crops – a testament to their increasing versatility and significance in diverse fields.
