Goa Set to Boost Drone Farming to Advance Agriculture

The Directorate of Agriculture in Goa aims to promote the adoption of drone technology among farmers by procuring two drones. These drones will be utilized to provide training on the effective application of pesticides, weedicides, and water-soluble fertilizers in agricultural practices.

The agricultural drone, distinct from a typical drone, possesses a diameter of 1.5 meters and boasts the capability to transport either 10 liters of pesticide or 10 kilograms of weedicide. The pioneering implementation of this technology was accomplished by Fr. George Quadros in Chinchinim. He successfully fertilized fields by utilizing an agricultural drone to disperse nano urea, evenly distributing micro droplets of the fertilizer onto paddy crops.

According to Nevil Alphonso, the agriculture director, "this advancement will provide significant assistance to farmers in Goa by reducing their reliance on labor and saving time. Although farmers might require some time to transition from conventional farming to this technology, we will organize training sessions through zonal agriculture offices to familiarize them with this approach."

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The Department of Agriculture has submitted a proposal to the central government, suggesting a 10% increase in subsidies to empower farmers in acquiring agricultural drones for themselves. Alphonso mentioned that the state government intends to provide an extra subsidy of 10%.

How much subsidy is available? 

Currently, the center provides financial support amounting to 40% of the base price of the drone and its accompanying components, capped at Rs 4 lakh or the lower of the two amounts. This assistance falls under the Cooperative Society of Farmers, Farmers Producer Organization, and Rural Entrepreneurs' Scheme.

Who is eligible? 

In order to qualify, farmers are required to acquire drones that have been approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. They must also possess a valid drone pilot license and ensure that their flights adhere to specified altitude restrictions. It should be noted that farms located in close proximity to Army or Navy bases may be prohibited from operating drones.

The Department of Agriculture will also provide farmers with the opportunity to rent agricultural drones if they are interested in adopting this technology for their farms.

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Alphonso emphasized the importance of users taking necessary precautions to prevent the pesticide or weedicide from dispersing into the air or reaching water bodies. We will establish comprehensive terms and conditions governing the utilization of agricultural drones.

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