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Elton Manguwo
GOVERNMENT’S recent procurement of nine drones has hinted at the country’s strong intentions to shift from traditional agricultural production trends to embracing smart technological systems that have come to be known as precision farming globally.
Speaking during the drone handover ceremony recently, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Dr John Basera said as the Government geared up towards precision agriculture, capacitation of the sector with these modern tools was key in setting it up for the transition towards a ‘smart agriculture sector.’
“The use of drones is part of the adoption of smart agricultural strategies that will ensure full land utilisation with the aim to increase crop yields while minimising the cost of production, which is an important aspect towards ensuring sustainable production, as the country pushes to achieve self-sufficiency.
“Procurement of the nine drones is a step in the right direction towards achieving a smart agriculture economy by 2025,” said Dr Basera.
On the backdrop of various technological research initiatives, the Government is moving to promote precision agriculture, which paves the way for the full use of modern technology to ensure effective production and maximum productivity.
Precision farming systems increase yields and farmer profitability.
“One of the milestones in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) is building community resilience and this can be achieved through improved production and income generation,” said Dr Basera.
Essentially, drones provide accurate field mapping data, which allows farmers to spot irregularities or inconsistencies such as wet and dry areas in the field, which helps to determine drainage patterns needed to promote more efficient watering techniques in line with prevailing climatic conditions.
“Drone technology has greater precision in surveying, mapping and monitoring large crop areas,” Dr Basera observed.
In line with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s mission of facilitating the growth of a modern and viable climate smart agricultural sector, low targeted drone spraying can reduce the volume of pesticide use.
“This is key in protecting the environment and people from inhaling hazardous chemicals compared to traditional methods of chemical spraying, which consequently can be hazardous to both people and the environment,” said Dr Basera.
“I am informed that these T40 drones have capacity to carry 40 litres of chemical and are equipped with state-of-the-art improved atomised spraying systems.”
The Government has made significant in-roads in incorporating modern technology in agriculture, building community resilience through modern tools that enhance adaptation to dry conditions while mitigating the harsh effects of dry weather on crops.
“Drones technology is ideal in gathering particular data, which can be used to make accurate decisions at both policy and farm level,” said Dr Basera.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) provides a standard framework that regulates and licence drone operation in the country.
Online Reporter