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Context

• Marut Drones has received type certification from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its AG-365S kisan drone.

Details

• This certification allows the drone to be used in agriculture as well as for drone pilot training.
• Dronetech startup Marut Drones is the first player in India to receive DGCA type certification for both small and medium category battery-operated drones.

AG-365S Kisan Drone

• It is the first multi-utility agriculture small category drone in India to receive the DGCA-approved type certificate.
• The AG-365S drone has a flight endurance of 22 minutes and is equipped with high-end sensors for smooth operations. It has undergone extensive testing to ensure the highest quality.
• ‘Made-in-India’ kisan drone AG 365 has been developed to help farmers reduce crop losses, lower use of agro chemicals, improve yields as well as profits.

DGCA Certification

• The DGCA certification is awarded after a rigorous testing process in NABL-accredited testing labs.
• This ensures that the drone meets safety and reliability standards.
• The certification enables Marut Drones to bring drone technology to the agricultural sector, helping to modernize agricultural operations.
• The awarding of the type certificate will make AG 365 buyers eligible for 10 lakh unsecured loans from the Agri Infrastructure Fund at a 5-6% interest and a 50%-100% subsidy from the government of India.

READ ABOUT DRONES: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/drones

READ ABOUT DGCA: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/directorate-general-of-civil-aviation

Advantages of Using Drones in Agriculture

• According to recent research, the global drone market within agriculture would grow at 35.9% CAGR and reach $5.7 billion by 2025.
• The use of drone technology in agriculture is here to stay. This emerging technology can help reduce time and increase the efficiencies of the farmers. The use of drones in the agricultural sector is only expected to rise as the industry matures, and so it is good to know how to use this technology judiciously.

Soil and field analysis

• For efficient field planning, agricultural drones can be used for soil and field analysis. They can be used to mount sensors to evaluate moisture content in the soil, terrain conditions, soil conditions, soil erosion, nutrients content, and fertility of the soil.

Crop monitoring

• Crop surveillance is the supervision of crop progress from the time seeds are sown to the time for harvest. This includes providing fertilizers at the right time, checking for pest attack, and monitoring the effect of weather conditions. Crop surveillance is the only way that a farmer can ensure a timely harvest, especially when dealing with seasonal crops.
• Any errors at this stage can result in crop failure. Crop surveillance helps in understanding and planning for the next farming season. Drones can help in effective crop surveillance by inspecting the field with infrared cameras and based on their real-time information, farmers can take active measures to improve the condition of plants in the field.

Plantation

• Drones can help in planting trees and crops, which was done by farmers before. This technology will not only save labor but also help in saving fuels. Soon, it is expected that budget-friendly drones will be used instead of huge tractors, as they emit harmful gases and pollute the environment in the process.

Livestock management

• Drones can be used to monitor and manage huge livestock as their sensors have high-resolution infrared cameras, which can detect a sick animal and swiftly take actions accordingly. So, the impact of drones on precision dairy farming is soon to become a new normal.

Crop spraying

• Agri-drones can be used to spray chemicals as they have reservoirs, which can be filled with fertilizers and pesticides for spraying on crops in very little time, as compared to traditional methods. Thus, drone technology can usher in a new era for precision agriculture.

Check crop health

• Farming is a large-scale activity that takes place over acres of land. Constant surveys are necessary to monitor the health of the soil and the crop that has been planted. Manually, this may take days, and even then, there is space for human error. Drones can do the same job in a matter of hours. With infrared mapping, drones can gather information about both the health of the soil and the crop.

Avoid overuse of chemicals

• Drones can prove to be especially effective in reducing the overuse of pesticides, insecticides, and other chemicals. These chemicals indeed help to protect the crop. But, their overuse can prove to be detrimental. Drones can detect minute signs of pest attacks, and provide accurate data regarding the degree and range of the attack. This can help farmers calculate the required amount of chemicals to be used that would only protect the crops rather than harming them.

Prepare for weather glitches

• Weather conditions can prove to be a farmer’s best friend and worst enemy. Since these cannot be accurately predicted, it becomes extremely difficult to prepare for any shift in patterns.
• Drones can be used to detect upcoming weather conditions. Storm drones are already being used to make better predictions. And this information can be used by farmers to be better prepared.
• Advance notice of storms or lack of rain can be used to plan the crop to be planted that would be best suited to the season, and how to take care of planted crops at a later stage.

Check crop health

• Farming is a large-scale activity that takes place over acres of land. Constant surveys are necessary to monitor the health of the soil and the crop that has been planted. Manually, this may take days, and even then, there is space for human error. Drones can do the same job in a matter of hours. With infrared mapping, drones can gather information about both the health of the soil and the crop.

Avoid overuse of chemicals

• Drones can prove to be especially effective in reducing the overuse of pesticides, insecticides, and other chemicals.
• These chemicals indeed help to protect the crop. But, their overuse can prove to be detrimental.
• Drones can detect minute signs of pest attacks, and provide accurate data regarding the degree and range of the attack.
• This can help farmers calculate the required amount of chemicals to be used that would only protect the crops rather than harming them.

Prepare for weather glitches

• Weather conditions can prove to be a farmer’s best friend and worst enemy. Since these cannot be accurately predicted, it becomes extremely difficult to prepare for any shift in patterns.
• Drones can be used to detect upcoming weather conditions. Storm drones are already being used to make better predictions. And this information can be used by farmers to be better prepared.
• Advance notice of storms or lack of rain can be used to plan the crop to be planted that would be best suited to the season, and how to take care of planted crops at a later stage.

Geofencing

• The thermal cameras installed over drones can easily detect animals or human beings. So, drones can guard the fields from external damage caused by animals, especially at night.

Benefits of Agri-Drones

Security

• The drones are operated by trained drone pilots. So, there are no chances of their misuse.

High efficiency

• Drones do not have any operational delays and can work double the speed of human labor.

Water-saving

• In comparison to traditional spraying methods, agricultural drones use ultra-low volume (ULV) spraying technology, thus saving more water.

Low cost and easy to maintain

• Agri drones are sturdy, low in cost, and require minimum maintenance. Some of the key features include a detachable container, low-cost frame, precise spraying of pesticides.

Improved efficiency

• Drones can cover large areas of land quickly and efficiently, allowing farmers to gather data and monitor crops more effectively. This can help to identify issues early, leading to faster and more effective interventions.

Enhanced crop yields

• Drones can be used to gather data on crop health, allowing farmers to identify areas that require attention. By addressing these issues, farmers can improve their crop yields and increase their profits.

Reduced costs

• Drones can help to reduce costs by identifying areas of the farm that require attention, reducing the need for manual labor and reducing the use of pesticides and other chemicals.

Improved accuracy

• Drones can capture high-resolution images and data, providing farmers with a detailed view of their crops. This can help to identify areas that require attention and ensure that interventions are targeted and effective.

Limitations of Agri Drones

Connectivity issue

• Often, online coverage is unavailable in rural areas. Under such circumstances, a farmer needs to invest in internet connectivity, which can turn into a recurring expense.

Weather dependent

• Drones do not have any operational delays and can work double the speed of human labor.
• Weather dependent
• Drones are heavily dependent on good weather conditions. Under rainy or windy weather conditions, it is not advisable to fly drones.

Knowledge and Skill

• Using new technology is a welcoming change but using it daily requires the right skillset and adequate knowledge. An average farmer may struggle to understand drone functions. Either he must acquire the knowledge or remain dependent on an experienced person.

Challenges of Adopting Drone Technology in The Agriculture Sector

While drones offer many benefits to farmers, there are also some challenges that may be holding farmers back from adopting this technology. Here are some of the key challenges:

• Fear of job loss: Many farmers are concerned that the adoption of drone technology will lead to job loss, as fewer workers will be needed to perform manual labour on the farm.
• Lack of knowledge and training: Farmers may not have the knowledge or training necessary to operate drones effectively. This can make it difficult for them to adopt this technology, as they may not be confident in their ability to use it.
• Cost: Drones can be expensive, and many farmers may not have the financial resources to invest in this technology.
• Regulatory barriers: There may be regulatory barriers to the use of drones in agriculture, which could make it difficult for farmers to adopt this technology.

Is rural India afraid of losing jobs with the sole usage of drones or lack of training and proper knowledge holding the farmers back?

• The adoption of drone technology in the agriculture sector in rural India is still in its early stages. While there is interest in this technology, there are also concerns about job loss and a lack of knowledge and training. However, there are efforts underway to address these challenges and encourage the adoption of drone technology.
• One of the key initiatives is the Digital India campaign, which aims to provide digital infrastructure and connectivity to rural areas. This initiative includes a focus on training and education, which could help to address the lack of knowledge and training among farmers.
• In addition, there are a number of organizations and initiatives that are focused on promoting the use of drone technology in agriculture. For example, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has established a Centre for Precision and Farming Technologies, which is focused on promoting precision agriculture technologies, including drones.

Conclusion

• Drones offer a range of benefits to farmers in the agriculture sector, including increased efficiency, improved yields, and reduced costs. However, there are also concerns about job loss and a lack of knowledge and training that may be holding farmers back from adopting this technology.
• While the adoption of drone technology in rural India is still in its early stages, there are efforts underway to address these challenges and promote the use of drones in agriculture. It is important for farmers to understand the potential benefits of this technology and to receive the necessary training and support to use it effectively.
• In conclusion, the adoption of drone technology in the agriculture sector has the potential to transform the way that farmers manage their crops and improve their yields. While there are challenges to overcome, such as concerns about job loss and a lack of knowledge and training, there are also initiatives underway to promote the use of this technology and provide support to farmers who wish to adopt it.
• It is essential that farmers and policymakers work together to ensure that the benefits of drone technology in agriculture are realized, while also addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise. By doing so, we can help to create a more sustainable and productive agriculture sector that benefits both farmers and consumers alike.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. The adoption of drone technology in the agriculture sector has the potential to transform the way that farmers manage their crops and improve their yields. What are the challenges of adopting drone technology in the agriculture sector? Suggest suitable way forward.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ag-365s-of-marut-drones-becomes-first-dgca-certified-drone-for-dual-usage/article67264013.ece