The ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, recently organised a “Drone Technology Demonstration” for spraying of agricultural chemicals funded by the central sector scheme, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, implemented through ATARI (sub mission on agricultural mechanisation) with an aim to create awareness about drone applications in agriculture among the farmers, extension workers and other stakeholders.  The demonstrations were conducted at Kemminje farm and Shantigodu experimental station of ICAR-DCR, Puttur.

During the demonstrations, Dr T. N. Raviprasad, Director (Acting) highlighted how drone technology is more important for management of perennial tree crops like cashew, in which manual and mechanical means of crop management are quite challenging. The adoption of the agricultural drones will benefit the farmers by increasing the crop management efficiency and reducing the production cost.

Later, Dr Manjunatha K., Scientist (FMP) & PI of the project briefed the principle and working mechanism of agricultural spray drones. The programme was attended by scientist, technical staffs, nursery men and skilled support staffs of ICAR-DCR and scientist of CPCRI, Kasaragod.