It is learnt that the maiden use of drones for agriculture purposes will begin on August 29 from Chinchinim. The drone will be initially used for paddy crops and could later be extended to cashew and coconut plantation.
Drones are poised to play a big role in agriculture, especially in areas including improvement in crop yield, and pest control.
This emerging technology can help reduce time and increase the efficiency of the farmers. Drones can be used to spray fertilizers, pesticides.
It is understood that drones can cover one acre of the field in just ten minutes. Ideally every successful farmer in Goa needs to possess a drone of his own which can be used to improve the yield in the farm.
However the cost of a single drone which is more than Rs 10 lakh seems a prohibitive price. The services of a drone operator with a valid licence will also be necessary.
The government needs to increase the subsidy on purchase of drones for agricultural purposes which will go a long way in bringing the Goan youth back to farming activities.
