Drones take farmers’ hopes high in the sky in Karimnagar

Some farmers are buying drones individually, while others are forming groups to collectively purchase them in certain areas. In Jagtial, six Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) have each purchased large drones at a cost of Rs. 15 lakh per drone.

Karimnagar: What was initiated by the previous BRS government, introducing drones for multiple purposes including for agricultural uses, is now catching on in a big way in the erstwhile Karimnagar district. Believe it or not, but over 175 drones are now being used by farmers in the district for different purposes, including to spray Nano Urea, DAP and other pesticides on their crops.

While some of farmers are purchasing drones individually, some are forming groups and procuring drones in some areas. In Jagtial, six Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) have purchased big drones spending Rs.15 lakh per drone.

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The Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) is providing drones to farmers’ associations on subsidy. So far, about 14 drones were provided to various associations in the district. Besides drones, four sets of batteries, generators and electric vehicles to shift material to fields have also been provided.

One of the members of farmers organizations has also been given training in operating the drones in Chennai and Hyderabad. Drones are also being rented out to farmers to spray Nano Urea, DAP and other pesticides. A fee of Rs.350 is being charged to spray pesticides to standing crops spread in an acre of land.

Speaking to Telangana Today, G Ramana Reddy, a farmer from Manakondur mandal, said more number of farmers were now showing interest to use drones for agriculture purposes since it was possible to cover a large extent of area within a short period. Moreover, it was less expensive than getting agricultural labourers, who were difficult to get now as well.

Crop spread in an acre of land would be covered within six to eight minutes and required only Rs.500. It was more useful for small land holdings, he said.