Guidelines for using drones to spray pesticides
Recently, the Center has issued guidelines for using drones for spraying pesticides.
The move will help reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals. Also, judicious use of these pesticides in crops will also be ensured.
Key guidelines
- Operators will be required to obtain a Unique Identification Number and Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation prior to any operation.
- Local authorities have to be notified before operation. In addition, all safety precautions (not sprinkling near any water body, maintaining a buffer zone between targeted and non-targeted areas, prior intimation to the public, etc.) will have to be followed.
- The role of drones in agriculture includes soil and field planning, crop monitoring, crop protection from weeds, pests and diseases, accurate crop spraying, irrigation management, locust control, remote sensing data collection under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) etc. Are included.
Benefits of using a drone:
Reducing workforce requirement, reducing application time, using less water, reducing the amount of chemicals, increasing efficiency and accuracy, etc.
Challenges:
The regulatory framework for monitoring drone operations is still being worked out. In addition, there are other problems with limited flight time and range, small agricultural holdings, etc.
Source – The Hindu
