KOTTAYAM
: Usage of
drones
and
micronutrient fertilizers
developed by the
Kerala Agricultural University
(
KAU
) are expected to bail out
farmers
in
Kuttanad
from severe shortage of
labourers
owing to
Covid-19
and the restrictions associated with the
pandemic
.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) under KAU in Kumarakom launched a campaign to encourage farmers to use unmanned aerial vehicles to spray fertilizers in paddy fields. As per the recommendations of KAU, foliar application of fertilizers will enhance the yield of paddy in Kuttanad. According to G Jayalekshmi, programme coordinator KVK, Kumarakom, uniform spread of the sprayed fluid using drones will have a positive impact on grain quality and yield.
“The technology implemented in larger areas will reduce the cost of production. This system will also reduce the time for spraying and improve the spraying efficiency,” she said.
Drones can spray fertilizers on crops in one acre field in ten minutes. The cost for spraying an acre of field is around Rs 800. ‘Sampoorna’, crop-specific formulation for use in rice, banana and vegetables developed by KAU, has been provided free for the farmers by KVK. The agricultural department is planning to make available drones for farmers through krishi bhavans.
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