Pant varsity launches drone for spraying pesticides on crops
RUDRAPUR: GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, has developed and launched an agro drone which will help farmers in spraying pesticides on their crops at a low cost. The drone can spray pesticides and other chemicals on a hectare within 15 minutes, according to scientists associated with its development.
“Our scientists and students have developed an agro drone by assembling parts. We were working for the last one year on it. It will be beneficial for farmers as it will cut costs in spraying chemicals and pesticides,” said Ajeet Singh Nain, director (research), GB Pant University.
The new drone, named ‘Pant Agro Drone-1’, was launched on Friday in the university. fitted with a double GPS and transmitter, it can fly 1,000 metres and go up to 4 kms. Assembling and development of the drone costs around ₹6 lakh. Scientists claim this kind of drone has been developed for the first time by any agriculture university in the country.
“Though it can fly 1000 metres but it will fly only 2-metre-high while spraying pesticides. If it flies at a greater height, droplets of the chemical will get scattered,” said Nain.
According to scientists, the cost of the drone will be lessened further when the components are available at cheaper rates. Generally, two people take 5 to 6 hours to spray pesticides on a hectare. If a farmer sprays by the tractor, 4 to 5 people are engaged and this exercise enhances the cost of spray. Only one person can do this job with the drone.
“The motto of developing this drone is to enhance the income of the farmers. It will not only cut the cost of labour but also that of chemicals; 35 to 40% of chemicals and nano fertilizers will be saved,” said the director.
The scientists are planning delivery of the goods in the hilly areas with the help of this drone. Its weight is around 15 kg and it can lift 15kg chemicals. So 15-kg goods can be delivered in its range in hilly regions.
Nain said, “The drone can also assess the loss in any disaster by its thermal imaging system. We have sent a proposal to the government for providing the service to the farmers.”
Anil Chauhan, state president BJP Kisan Morcha, said, “This initiative will not only be beneficial to the farmers who are facing labour problems but also save chemicals and water. It will help in doubling the income of the farmers as the goal set by the central government.”