The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is utilizing drones to revolutionize rice farming in countries in the Asia-Pacific region like India and the Philippines, reports ComDev Asia.
In recent years, drone technology has garnered significant attention in the agriculture sector due to its potential to boost efficiency and productivity amidst growing challenges and threats. Drones are now being used for various critical farming tasks, including automated seeding, real-time crop health monitoring, and precision spraying.
These applications not only enhance operational efficiency but also help farmers make data-driven decisions to optimize yields and reduce input costs. The experiences from India and the Philippines illustrate how drones are transforming traditional farming practices, bringing modern technology to smallholder and family-run farms.
However, the widespread adoption of drone technology faces several obstacles. One of these is the high acquisition costs that remain a major barrier, particularly for resource-constrained smallholder farmers. Another is the limited access to subsidies and the need for extensive training. Additionally, environmental factors such as climate conditions can limit the effectiveness of drones in certain regions.
Addressing these challenges will require collaborative efforts among governments, private sectors, and agricultural organizations to make drone technology more accessible and practical for farmers in both countries.
Read the full story from CGIAR here.
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