Drone spray technology captivates visitors

Pulwama, Feb 22: The display of drone spray technology on the first day of the Agri Tech Mela, Gongul, at SKUAST-K, attracted tremendous attention from visitors.
Young people from different parts of Kashmir, who attended the festival, were excited by the demonstration of spray technology on the university campus in Shalimar.
Ummer Salam, an official from a private company, told Rising Kashmir that they have procured around 25 drones from Haryana. He added that since July 2024, they have been actively promoting drone technology across various districts in Kashmir.
“We have 25 trained and certified drone pilots,” he said, adding that the introduction of drones in farming is proving highly beneficial for farmers.
“The drone spray technology ensures mist spray, which minimizes pesticide, fertilizer, and water usage for pest control in crops,” he explained. However, he noted that while the cost of these drones is high for marginal farmers, they are offering the service at a reasonable price.
“We charge ₹150 for spraying a kanal of vegetables or paddy,” he said, adding that for orchards, the charge is ₹250 per kanal.
The official further elaborated that in a single flight, the drone sprays 10 liters of chemical solution, which takes up to eight minutes.
“The drone needs to be refilled after every eight minutes,” he said, adding that they have already demonstrated this technology in Budgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag, and Baramulla.
He emphasized that the government should subsidize drone technology to make it accessible to marginal farmers.
Mohammad Younis, a farmer from South Kashmir, expressed great excitement over the display of drone spray technology.
He highlighted that apart from reducing labor costs and physical effort, the introduction of drone spray technology will create employment opportunities for local youth.
“Young people can become drone pilots after obtaining certification from competent authorities,” he said, strongly advocating for the adoption of drone technology in farming activities across Kashmir.