Farmers in India are being encouraged to embrace scientific technology to mitigate labour challenges in cultivation. This call to action was highlighted by Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy during a recent event in Chinnabbipuram village, AS Pet mandal, where drone sprayers were distributed to local agriculture groups.
The Minister’s initiative underscores a significant shift in the agricultural sector, aiming to enhance the living standards of farmers. By adopting advanced technologies like drone sprayers, farmers can potentially reduce their reliance on manual labour, which is often scarce and expensive, especially during peak agricultural seasons.
The government’s proposal to subsidize drone sprayers is a notable step in this direction. Each drone sprayer, valued at Rs 10 lakh, will be made available to agriculture groups for just Rs 2 lakh, with the government covering the remaining Rs 8 lakh. This substantial subsidy is designed to make advanced farming techniques more accessible and affordable, thereby promoting sustainable and profitable agricultural practices.
In the Atmakuru constituency alone, 10 drone sprayers have been sanctioned, with four already distributed. This move is expected to alleviate the burden of hiring labour, allowing farmers to focus on optimizing their crop yields and improving efficiency.
The implications of this initiative are far-reaching. By integrating technology into farming, the government aims to modernize the agricultural sector, making it more resilient and competitive. This approach not only addresses the immediate issue of labour shortages but also paves the way for long-term benefits such as increased productivity, reduced costs, and enhanced profitability for farmers.
Moreover, the use of drone sprayers can lead to more precise and efficient application of pesticides and fertilizers, reducing waste and environmental impact. This precision agriculture can contribute to sustainable farming practices, ensuring that resources are used optimally.
The Minister’s participation in the Kumbhabhishekam of Kodandarama Swamy temple in the village, along with the presence of District Agriculture Officer P Satya Vani, highlights the community’s support for this technological advancement. As farmers begin to adopt these new methods, the agricultural landscape in the region is poised for a transformative shift, promising a more prosperous future for those who till the land.