ADC embraces use of drone spraying of maize plantations

By Osinde Obare

Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) is adopting the use of drones for aerial spraying on expansive fields.

ADC Managing Director Mohammed Bule said the move would reduce operating costs and enhance productivity.

He said they had hired seven drones for spraying 10,000 acres under maize in Trans Nzoia county.

Speaking at Endebess, accompanied by a delegation from Burundi, Bule said the company was employing new technology to scale up efficiency in the sub-sector.

The team, comprising officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, are visiting ADC and Kenya Seed Company to acquaint themselves with new technologies used to boost food security.

The MD said previously the company was spending huge sums of money to hire aircraft to spray maize fields.

"Hiring an aircraft is expensive. Since we started using drones, the cost has significantly reduced," Bule said.

He noted that ADC was expecting good yields despite the erratic weather. "We embraced timely planting and use of technology."

The MD disclosed that mechanisation of operations had also reduced wastage.

He said streamlining of operations had increased earnings from crops and livestock farming.