In a significant step towards modernizing farming practices, farmers in Nayagarh, Odisha, have started using drone technology for pesticide spraying. The initiative is being promoted to save time, reduce labor costs, and ensure more efficient crop protection.
Agriculture officials explained that drones can cover large areas in a short period while using 40–50% less water and pesticides compared to traditional spraying methods. This not only lowers the input cost for farmers but also minimizes health risks associated with manual spraying.
Farmers who participated in the demonstration shared positive feedback, highlighting that drone spraying ensures uniform coverage across fields and reduces the burden on labor during peak agricultural seasons. Officials also pointed out that the technology is especially beneficial for crops like paddy and vegetables, where pest management is crucial for better yields.
The Department of Agriculture in Nayagarh is working to expand the use of drones under various schemes and subsidies to make the technology more accessible. Training programs are also being organized so that farmers can operate drones independently in the future.
Experts believe that this adoption of modern technology marks a turning point for rural agriculture. With wider implementation, drone spraying could contribute to higher productivity, sustainable farming practices, and improved income for farmers in the region.
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