Drones: the New Era of Agriculture!!!

Drone is no more an unfamiliar world to even the general public. One could have an encounter with a drone in an event, war zones or as a goods transport service. Drones are the widely accepted latest technology that have evolved, with applicability in diverse arenas. They are small, unmanned aerial vehicles controlled through remote-based systems. As drones are advanced machines, they can collect real time data and images that benefit the user. The current discourse being developed around agricultural drones is as a fast and effective solution to farm-related problems and with long-term success. The growing faith on them amongst farmers is to maximize their returns and manage effective organizations, while improving agricultural production.

How can a small machine make the most of your farm?

• Soil and Field Monitoring

Field-based drones collect and provide 3D maps of existing ground conditions. By collecting this data, farmers can monitor soil quality and potential, nutrient management and deadweight. This enables the farmer to take the necessary steps and determine effective planting, crop and soil management plans. Also, irrigation problems can even be solved by drone surveillance and the required measures could be taken.

• Seed Planting

Drone planting is not currently widely used, but it may be the future of planting practices. However, still in experimental stage this technology with customized systems would be able to shoot seeds into the prepared soil. Such technology can help reduce the cost of labour and minimize time.

• Crop Spraying

To improve quality and quantity, the crop must be sprayed in a timely manner. Traditionally, crops are sprayed with laborious and time-consuming equipment. Drones may be used to replace them and apply the necessary pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. They can be operated on their own and programmed to operate on specific routes and timetables. Also, they reduce direct interactions of harmful chemicals while manual spraying.

• Real-time Crop Mapping and Surveying

Advanced drone technology is another step towards precision agriculture. The drones provide onsite illustrations of the growing field and large-scale views of the farm. With such accurate real time data, there is less chance of guesswork and better decisions can be taken. Also, the near-infrared drones' sensors may help the farmers to collect data related to plants health. The farmer using this technology may even get to know the land distribution of the current crops, their types and a detailed GPS map.

Drones have the potential to bring yet another revolution in agricultural industry. While looking through the perspective of technological profit genertaing strategy, drones promise to reduce labour and better regulate the farm functionings. But currently the cost of drones is certainly a barrier for marginal or even middle income farmers. With research and investments from both public and private sectors in this growing technology, one can built belief to soon get access to affordable better quality agricultural drones.