KAU Introduces Drone Technology for Seed Sowing in Pokkali Fields

Quick Summary:

• Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) successfully conducted a trial of drone-based seed sowing in waterlogged paddy fields in Kumbalangi, supported by the World Bank.
• The initiative aims to address challenges in Pokkali fields, where waterlogging makes traditional seed sowing labor-intensive.
• A drone carrying up to 10 kg of germinated seeds was used, substantially reducing manual effort and completing one acre of sowing in 20-25 minutes.
• The new method reportedly saves up to 10 kg of seeds per acre while ensuring uniform distribution and improved crop establishment.
• Trials involved collaboration among KAU, the state Department of Agriculture, and Fuselage Innovation, a start-up incubated at KAU.
• Germinated seeds were found to be ideal for aerial sowing due to their ability to grow well in saturated soil.
• Larger-capacity drones are being tested for more extensive applications as part of KAU’s broader push toward technology-driven farming solutions.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The integration of drones into agriculture by Kerala Agricultural University represents a meaningful step forward for India’s farming sector. This progress is not only a technical advancement but also an attempt at making agriculture more lasting and less labor-intensive. Considering the challenges posed by climate change and shrinking farm labor availability,innovations like drone-based seed-sowing could play an instrumental role both regionally – in low-lying areas such as Pokkali fields – and nationally. additionally, efficiency gains through reduced time and lower seed wastage align with India’s goals towards precision agriculture. Scaling this model could offer valuable lessons for other states facing similar agro-climatic constraints.However, adoption may hinge on affordability and ease-of-access for smallholder farmers across India.

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