PILIBHIT: Uttar Pradesh’s sugarcane administration is set to introduce drone-based pesticide and fertilizer spraying on sugarcane crops, aiming to boost protection and
productivity.
This initiative will be in partnership with IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited). VB Singh, the additional cane commissioner, disclosed that of the 45 sugarcane-producing districts, 21 will be chosen for the drone-spray system’s initial phase. The department plans to train 2,200 sugarcane supervisors in drone operations via the state’s aviation department.
These drones will be handed over to the sugarcane development councils post-training. The initiative also involves collaboration with local sugar mills for technical expertise.
The cost structure for sprays is yet to be decided, with provisions for subsidies and payment relaxation for small and marginal farmers, said Singh.
Dr. KP Pandey from UPCSR (UP Council of Sugarcane Research) highlighted the plan’s potential to control disease transmission and boost productivity by up to 20%. He said, “The new plan will be helpful in effectively controlling the transmission of certain bacterial, viral and fungal diseases in sugarcane of airborne nature from one field to another apart from curing them in vast area at a time”.
We also published the following articles recently The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to conduct a topographical drone survey for the construction of an elevated highway on the EdappallyAroor stretch of NH 66 bypass in Kochi.
The feasibility study and detailed project report (DPR) for the project are expected to be ready in three months. The area, which has the highest vehicular density in Kerala, will be given special focus during the preparation of the DPR. Existing flyovers at Edappally, Palarivattom, Vyttila, and Kundannoor will also be considered in the reports.
All districts to get AI camera drone
AI camera fitted drones will be deployed in each district in Kerala to ensure road safety and prevent traffic violations. The transport department is in discussion with various agencies to manufacture special drones that can carry AI cameras. Currently, 720 AI cameras have been installed at various locations in the state. The use of AI cameras has led to an increase in helmet usage and seatbelt wearing, resulting in a reduction in road accidents.
The government is also planning to introduce a portal to appeal against traffic violation cases captured by AI cameras.
