Now, farmers can deploy drones to spray pesticides

New Delhi: The government has released standard operating procedure (SoP) for use of drones for the purpose of spraying pesticides on agriculture crops, a move welcomed by industry body CropLife India on Thursday.

Releasing the SoP, the agriculture ministry said, in recent years, use of drones in agriculture has gained prominence and some states are actively engaged in checking the suitability of this new technology in Indian agriculture.

"Application of pesticides using drones has great potential as we move towards commercialization and achieving precision in agricultural crops," it said.

According to the ministry, the SoP for drone regulation for pesticide application covers important aspects like statutory provisions, flying permissions, area distance restrictions, weight classification, overcrowded areas restriction, drone registration, safety insurance, piloting certification, operation plan, air flight zones, weather conditions. It also covers SOPs for pre, post and during operation period, emergency handling plan, etc. The aerial application of pesticides through drones will be allowed subject to certain provisions.