Nauni varsity to get two drones from ICAR for demonstrations to farmers

In a major step towards showcasing modernization in agriculture to the farmers, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni will be procuring two drones with the support of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Recently ICAR's Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (Zone-I), Ludhiana sanctioned two agricultural drones to the University. While one drone will be given to the Directorate of Extension Education of the University, the second will be given to the university’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra Solan at Kandaghat. An amount of Rs 10 lakh has been sanctioned for each drone and an additional amount for demonstrations. The University is likely to procure these drones in the near future and demonstrate the usage and utility of drones to the farmers reaching their fields. 
 
Recently, a demonstration of these drones was given at the University farms. The demonstration was attended by Dr. Sanjeev Chauhan. Director of Research, Dr. Anil Sood, Joint Director (Communication), Dr. Rajesh Kaushal, Joint Director (Training), Dr. Jitender Chauhan, Programme Coordinator, KVK Solan, Dr. DR Bhardwaj, HOD, Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr. Satish Bhardwaj, HOD, Department of Environmental Science, Dr Ajay Sharma, scientists from Directorate of Extension Education, KVK Solan and constituent colleges. The scientists also interacted with the company representatives involved in the drone demonstration.
 
Professor Rajeshwar Singh Chandel, Vice Chancellor said that the use of drones in agriculture is increasing day by day and it is very helpful in revolutionizing the agriculture sector by carrying out various activities in a short time. He added that the agricultural drones can be used for soil and field analysis and monitor the various soil parameters like moisture and nutrient content by mounting sensors on them.
 
The drones can also be used in spraying and for crop supervision. Infrared cameras fitted to the drone can help in effective crop surveillance and in determining the right time of harvest. Moreover, it can also be fitted with broadcasters which can be very helpful in broadcasting seeds on difficult terrains.