Daijiworld Media Network – Sullia (MS)

Sullia, Jan 8: Arecanut crop in Dakshina Kannada district is affected by yellow leaf and leaf scar diseases. Spraying of pesticides is inevitable to contain these diseases. Drone technology has been used for the first time to spray pesticides on arecanut trees.

Sudarshan Kote, owner of Girikripa Farm of Kalanja, is the agriculturist who is using drone technology to spray pesticides. This technology is also likely to come in handy in normal circumstances as the labourers are in short supply to do the job.

The drone that is used for the purpose is built by Multiplex M. It has a 10-litre capacity tank. Once the pesticide is filled the total weight of the drone becomes 25 kilos. Ten litres of pesticides can be sprayed over half an acre of farm land within 15 minutes. Drone goes on the top of arecanut trees and sprays the pesticide on the leaves. This technology is already in use in areas like Sringeri.

The drone technology that is available currently can be used to spray pesticides only on the leaves and not on the bunch of arecanuts. If some changes are made, it will benefit the arecanut growers immensely. The result of this type of spraying needs to be assessed only after some time.

Usage of drone for spraying of pesticide involves less cost and time. Now there is huge demand for the machine in Dakshina Kannada district. It is learnt that the company will provide three drones for the district.