One of the biggest challenges the Chinchinim Agricultural Club (CAC) faced was dealing with high labour costs and labour shortage to complete various agriculture-related tasks.
However, thanks to the intervention and passion of Fr George Quadros, who has helped many other farmer groups with this problem, through mechanised ploughing and transplanting, minimal labour was involved.
But that’s not all, Fr Quadros of the Don Bosco Institute and CAC decided to make ‘Digaum Band’ the first field in Goa where drone technology was used. This model has already been replicated on a trial basis in other fields and farms in Goa.
For better understanding, the fields were fertilized using precision drone technology using nano urea and spraying micro droplets of fertilizer on the leaves of the paddy crop and avoiding the excess falling in the water. The same technology is used to control weeds.
Fr Quadros elaborated about what’s next using drones and its long-term benefits for farmers. “We have done our research on the quantum of chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers to be used and having finished our trials, we are ready to go out in full swing in this season. This is for all those who would like to have their fields fertilised or plants to be taken care of. Whatever requirement they may have, the drone will do the needful,” said Fr Quadros.
He also explained that the drones will come at a ‘rock-bottom price’ for the farmer, who may have to spend only Rs 30 paisa per square metre of cultivation. Fr Quadros further emphasised that via the introduction of the drone, they are going to save the soil, achieve efficient management and help secure farmers’ futures.
