Philippines FPA approves FMC Corporation’s drone use of Prevathon insecticide in rice crop

FMC Corporation in the Philippines has been granted conditional approval for the drone use of Prevathon insecticide in rice crop for the first time by the country's Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA).

On the approval of drone use for the crop, Veronica Tiburcio, country manager of FMC Philippines, stated, “Farmers spend long hours doing hard and often difficult work to produce food. Using the latest technology, like drones, will help them efficiently cover more ground in less time when treating crops.”

“We are pleased to be the first crop protection company in the Philippines to receive conditional registration approval from the FPA. FMC has conducted successful drone spray trials in other Asian countries, and we are now bringing our know-how to help local farmers become more efficient and effective in rice production.” she further added.

FMC will initiate official field trials with FPA-accredited researchers and all related government agencies to prepare for full registration approval and conduct commercial activities related to the drone use of Prevathon insecticide in rice.

Drone usage for spray applications has grown significantly in the Asia-Pacific region. Unlike hand-held applicators, drones can fly over wet fields and tall crops, moving quickly to exact locations to treat crops more precisely.

FMC's unique technologies from its Precision Agriculture team are designed to ensure the right crop protection products are applied exactly where and when they are needed to increase sustainability, as well as optimize yield quality and quantity and improve ROI.

Prevathon insect control, powered by the Rynaxypyr active, is one of the most effective crop protection products that help control a number of costly, yield-robbing insects in numerous crops jurisdictions.