UP Govt To Give 40% Subsidy On 88 Drones For Fertilizer Spraying

Officials have announced that agricultural committees and self-help groups in Uttar Pradesh will be able to purchase drones at a 40 percent subsidy. This initiative aims to support farmers in maintaining their fields and crops.

During the initial stage, subsidies will be offered to farmers' associations, cooperative societies, and agriculture graduates.

The aim is to make drones available for rent to farmers, which would enable faster coverage of a significant 75% of the districts.

In the first phase, 88 drones will be allocated in Uttar Pradesh, according to Girish Chandra, the deputy director of the agriculture department.

Officials have reported that drones are equipped to transport 10 to 12 kg of nano urea or pesticide and can spray the fertilizer onto sugarcane crops across an area of eight bighas of land within just 10 minutes. The utilization of drones will aid in decreasing both production time and cost simultaneously.

In Mandawali village of Bijnor, farmers had the opportunity to trial nano urea for the first time last year, according to reports.

"The use of traditional urea is a major concern due to farmers using up to five times the amount recommended by scientists, which leads to soil, air, and groundwater pollution," as stated by Shailendra Singh, the chief regional manager of IFFCO.

Typically, crops can only absorb around 30% of dry nitrogen fertilizer, but with nano urea, the absorption rate increases to 86%. Additionally, nano urea can be easily sprayed on crops using drones.

According to J P Chaudhary, who holds the position of joint director in the agriculture department, "drones can be used by agriculturists to enhance crop yield by spraying fertilizer and pesticides on the standing crops. The drones cost between Rs 7-10 lakhs each, but the government is offering a 40% subsidy to the beneficiaries to make the technology more affordable."

-TOI

Also Read:- 

Agriculture Accelerator Fund- Financial Assistance To Agricultural Entrepreneurs And Startups

Ludhiana: Kisan Mela Interrupted Due To Heavy Rains

Cabinet Approves Minimum Support Price For Raw Jute For 2023 -24 Season