Bayer Crop Science Ltd announced it has conducted its first-ever drone trial at its multicrop breeding centre in Chandipa, near Hyderabad.
On this occasion, Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Agriculture Minister said, “I am really happy to learn that bayer is organizing a pilot project on the use of drones in agriculture. I appreciate Bayer’s efforts in early adoption of this technology for growth and transformation of agriculture in India and convey all my good wishes”.
India is making huge strides in technology and digitalization, and adopting these for enhancing agricultural purposes is a step forward in the government’s efforts to provide a strong impetus to farmer’s prosperity, the company statement quoted as the minister saying in a statement.
The usage of drones in agriculture has the potential to revolutionize the farm sector and empower the farmers of the country especially the smallholders with information and applications that will help them enhance their yields and income in the long run.
Bayer has associated with innovative drone startup General Aeronautics Pvt Ltd and conducted several in house and external R&D trials with universities and central research institutions to generate data to make drone services available to farmers.
Based on the initial achievements of drone farming, growers may be able to explore the technology’s capabilities in aiding paddy, corn, sugarcane, wheat, vegetables, fruits and plantation crops and harvests in future, the statement said.
Such innovations can the face of sustainable farming in India while spurring smallholder support and food security, it added.
Bayer cropscience Ltd and Managing Director D Narain said, "Drone applications are operating in other small farmer countries in Asia and have the potential to deliver significant value to smallholders in India, as well as for the economy and the planet". The company is proud of the results of its drone trial in Hyderabad. It showcases the potential of the future of farming, he added.
