Lucknow: The use of drones will significantly improve the ease of farming and Uttar Pradesh government is making concerted efforts for multifaceted use of drone technology – right from spraying of fertilizer to monitoring development and welfare projects – said Agriculture Minister of Uttar Pradesh Surya Pratap Shahi on Thursday, on Syngenta’s Drone Yatra arrival in the state.

Demonstration of spraying with drones was given to more than 300 farmers in a rice farm while the Drone Yatra reached Lucknow to make them aware of this breakthrough technology. In a first-of-its kind initiative, Syngenta India had flagged off a Drone Yatra on July 15 from its Pune headquarters. It is scheduled to travel 10,000 kms, across 13 states to create awareness on drone spraying among 10,000 farmers. Syngenta is among the first few private players to get Central Government’s permission to use drones. The drone Yatra has already travelled through Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

“Digitally driven agriculture is becoming the need of the hour. There is a huge scope for the use of multiple applications in drone farming in Uttar Pradesh, which is a leader in paddy, wheat, bajra, barley among cereals. Mustard seeds, linseed, sesame, groundnut, gram, pea, masoor and arhar are grown in abundance in the state,” said Shahi while speaking as the Chief Guest at a function held in Malihabad Tehsil in Lucknow district to mark the arrivalof ‘Syngenta Drone Yatra.’

“Now we can see the benefits of latest technology in our fields and can experience the same with global pace and this drone technology would not only provide employment to youths but also solve the paucity of labour and help in saving soil and environment as well, thanks to Syngenta for making this happen. This would also help in fulfilling the commitment of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards doubling the income of growers. The technology will increase their income by bringing down the cost of spraying besides preventing the crops from insects, flies and locusts,” Shahi added.

“It’s so encouraging to see that Uttar Pradesh has not only shown interest but has also put in place a roadmap to drive agriculture technologically, which will make farming cost-effective and enhance farmers’ incomes. Technology like drones will increase yield, profitability, and sustainability of farming. Drone spraying can help farmers spray one acre of farmland in just seven minutes which can help save on labour cost and increase farmers’ efficiency,” said Dr KC Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India.

In the past few years, the Uttar Pradesh government has made significant headway towards adoption of technology in agriculture. The state government led by CM Yogi Adityanath has already announced provisions for exploring the potential of manufacturing drones in UP. The plans to set up drone manufacturing units in Uttar Pradesh will be a game-changer not only for the farmers of the state but for the entire agro economy of the country, ensuring the best use of drones in agriculture, disaster management, health, maintenance of law and order, among others.