KVK Ernakulam uses drone to spray nutrients in pineapple fields 

In an attempt to promote the use of drone technology in agriculture, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ernakulam under the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) on Thursday demonstrated the use of drone for nutrient spraying in pineapple fields in Keerampara near Kothamangalam in the district. 

The event showcased the advantages of drone technology in reducing water, labour, and time, making it a promising innovation for pineapple farming, particularly in the spiky-leaf Vazhakkulam pineapple, which is famous in Ernakulam district.

Since pineapple farming is labour-intensive with the crop’s sharp, spiky leaves and dense planting, manual nutrient application is challenging and time-consuming. However, the drone technology is effective in overcoming these challenges by significantly reducing manual labour and ensuring uniform nutrient distribution across large areas, said a KVK communication here on Thursday.

The drone sprayed NPK foliar-grade fertilizer on 120-day-old pineapples planted using a paired-row system. A total of 1.7 kg of the NPK mixture was applied over one hectare using just 33.6 litres of water, significantly reducing water usage from 250-300 litres typically required for manual spraying. 

The drone completed the task in just 16 minutes, whereas manual spraying demands three man days due to the challenges of carefully navigating dense, spiked foliage.

“The technological advancement is expected to reduce production costs for the famous Vazhakkulam pineapple by cutting down on labour requirements and enhancing operational efficiency,” said KVK head Shinoj Subramanian. 

The introduction of drones in pineapple farming is relatively new, making KVK’s demonstration a pioneering step in utilising modern technology for this unique crop.

Farmers interested in using drone technology for pineapple or paddy fields may contact KVK Ernakulam at 9400257798. “KVK will continue to monitor the impact of this demonstration, assessing factors such as yield improvement and crop maturity. Feedback from farmers will also be collected to evaluate the practical benefits of this technology”, Dr. Subramanian said.