Bayer has partnered with innovative drone startup, General Aeronautics and conducted several in-house and external R&D trials

Bayer conducted its first drone trial at its multi-crop breeding centre in Chandipa, near Hyderabad. The on-ground event, showcasing a field demonstration on the use of drones in agricultural operations, was attended by eminent partners and industry stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Bayer has partnered with innovative drone startup, General Aeronautics and conducted several in-house and external R&D trials with universities and central research institutions to generate data to make drone-based services available to farmers.

With the recent encouraging announcement made by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, all stakeholders related to the segment are eagerly looking forward to the swift adoption of drone technology. Bayer has now secured approvals to conduct R&D and agriculture spraying operations to make the drone technology available for smallholders.

On the occasion, the Minister of Agriculture, Narendra Singh Tomar, commented, “I’m really happy to learn that Bayer is organising a pilot project on the use of drones in agriculture. India is making giant strides in technology and digitalisation and adopting these for enhancing agricultural purposes is a step forward in our efforts to provide a strong impetus to farmers’ prosperity. Usage of drones in agriculture will revolutionise farm operations and empower our farmers especially the smallholders with information and applications that will help them enhance their yields and income in the long run. I appreciate Bayer’s efforts in early adoption of this technology for the growth and transformation of agriculture in India and convey all my good wishes.”