Drone use in agriculture increasing

February 18, 2018

Tokyo- The number of drones used in agriculture is increasing in Japan, with some farmers starting to utilize the aerial vehicles for visual inspections of crops and other new purposes.

Drones "are effective in promoting data-based agriculture and reducing agricultural work" at a time when many aged farmers are struggling to find successors, says an official at the agriculture ministry's Technology Policy Office.

In Japan, it is necessary to register unmanned helicopters to spray pesticides, fertilizers and seeds with a special organization.

Registration became necessary for agricultural drones in 2015. The number of registered drones reached 673 last month, about three times the level of March 2017.

Drones that spray pesticide have an 8- to 10-liter tank. One hectare of rice paddies require about 10 liters of pesticide.

It usually takes hours for a farmer to finish spraying that amount on a one-hectare area, while a drone can complete the same task in about 10 minutes.

Unlike conventional unmanned agricultural helicopters, drones can make very sharp turns. The new breed does not generate strong winds, which may damage leafy vegetables. Jiji Press