ICAR conducts demonstration of agricultural drone

ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Old Goa, Krishi Vigyan Kendra conducted a demonstration on agri-drone at Old Goa with the primary objective to showcase the use of agri-drones in modern agricultural techniques to reduce drudgery, enhance productivity, estimate crop yield, manage soil health, identify crop pests and diseases, and detect nutritional deficiencies.

Dr. Parveen Kumar, Director, ICAR-CCARI, Goa, highlighted the unique benefits of utilizing drones in agriculture, which include improved efficiency, cost-effectiveness resulting from reduced spraying costs, conservation of fertilizers and pesticides through the highly atomized application, water conservation through ultra-low volume spraying, and decreased human exposure to hazardous chemicals. He urged the farmers to utilize drones to accurately monitor the health of crops, and maximize the allocation of resources on their farms.

Dr. N. Bommayasamy, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK, ICAR-CCARI, North Goa, discussed the benefits, types, and sizes of agricultural drones. He highlighted how drones enable farmers to apply agrochemicals more quickly and accurately, outperforming traditional methods, and making it more affordable.

The officials showcased the use of agrochemicals to effectively control ear head bugs in paddy at farmers' fields and provide foliar nutrition to cowpea crops.

A total of 81 farmers and officials participated and benefited from this event.