Muhammad Saleem

Chinese drone technology can help revolutionise Pakistan’s agriculture sector by improving crop management and resource efficiency. Talking to WealthPK, Dr Ahmad from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, said: “Our farmers are still toiling away manual work, even though technology can perform such tasks efficiently. However, our farmers lack knowledge of these technologies, which are changing the agricultural landscape.” 

“We can cash in on the technologies developed by China to transform our agriculture sector and reap the benefits of improved productivity,” he emphasised. He said: “China’s drone technology can be a game-changer for the agriculture sector of Pakistan. Drones are relatively inexpensive compared to other modern tools.” Ahmad said that Chinese drone technology had the tremendous potential to revolutionise resource efficiency and productivity. “Drone technology is equipped with advanced sensors capable of checking the soil health and moisture levels.

Using this information, farmers will be in a better position to make timely decisions about crop management.” “Sooner or later, we will have to train our farmers on the use of technology. Otherwise, we will fall behind other countries, and it will be an uphill task for us to meet the people’s food requirements,” he said. Dr Adnan, an agricultural expert, told WealthPK that precision farming practices are the need of the hour to reduce costs and tackle environmental issues.

“The integration of drone technology into our agriculture sector can help achieve these goals,” he added. He explained that for pest management, farmers need to spray their crops, and it is a back-breaking task. “Drones, however, are capable of targeted spraying, which can minimise expenses on pesticides. Besides, drones can ensure the optimal use of resources, focusing them where they are most needed.” “Irrigation and fertilsisation can also be optimised with the help of drones, ensuring sustainable farming practices at affordable costs,” he underscored.

Adnan urged the people at the helm of affairs to announce subsidies on modern technologies like drones, so that farmers can adopt the latest methods. “The major challenge to embracing technological advancements is the upfront costs.” “Due to the initial costs and lack of knowledge, even progressive farmers are refraining from adopting drone technology.” “Without support from the government, most farmers are not able to purchase modern tools due to financial constraints,” he noted.

Besides, he said that the government should also make arrangements for proper theoretical and practical training of farmers on how to effectively use the technology. He said that the lack of awareness and training is a stumbling block restricting farmers from adopting modern technology. “By utilising drone technology, farmers can boost their productivity and decrease their labour and expenses.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk