During a visit to Shklov District in Mogilev Oblast, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko observed firsthand how agricultural drones are transforming pre-harvest operations at ASB-Agro Gorodets, a local farming enterprise. The demonstration focused on drone-assisted desiccation—a technique that accelerates crop drying before harvest to minimize losses and streamline the collection process.
Desiccation involves applying specialized chemicals to crops like corn, rapeseed, sunflower, soybeans, and legumes, particularly when field conditions are too wet for conventional machinery. The use of drones in this process offers several practical advantages. Their precision application reduces the risk of crop damage, while their ability to navigate difficult terrain—such as waterlogged or uneven fields—makes them a flexible alternative to traditional ground-based equipment. This can shorten the window between treatment and harvest, potentially improving yield quality by preventing over-ripening or disease spread in damp conditions.
Lukashenko engaged with technicians on-site, inquiring about operational details, including battery endurance—a critical factor for large-scale farm efficiency. Nikolai Sherstnev, Deputy Head of the Belarus President Property Management Directorate, remarked on the technology’s versatility, noting its potential beyond desiccation. The president echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to explore and expand such innovations if they prove economically and agronomically viable.
The adoption of drone technology in Belarusian agriculture reflects a broader trend in precision farming, where targeted interventions aim to optimize resource use and labor efficiency. For a country with a significant agricultural sector, such tools could help mitigate challenges posed by unpredictable weather, labor shortages, or soil variability. However, scaling these solutions will depend on factors like cost-effectiveness, regulatory frameworks, and farmer training—areas that may require further investment and policy support.
The visit underscores growing official interest in modernizing Belarus’s farming practices, signaling potential state-backed initiatives to integrate advanced technologies into the sector. Whether this translates into widespread adoption remains to be seen, but the demonstration in Shklov District offers a glimpse of how drones could reshape fieldwork in the region.