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Meghalaya Tests Drone Spraying to Save Areca Nut Farmers from Deadly Bud Rot

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Meghalaya Tests Drone Spraying to Save Arecanut Farmers from Deadly Bud Rot

In a significant move toward promoting modern and eco-friendly farming practices, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, along with CPCRI, NECTAR Shillong, Akin Analytic, the Smart Village Movement (SVM), and Agri-PMU, carried out a drone-based biofungicide spraying experiment to combat bud rot disease in arecanut plantations. The trials were held on November 11 and 12 in the villages of Chikasingre and Teksragre in West Garo Hills.

Bud rot, caused by Phytophthora fungi, is one of the most destructive diseases impacting arecanut growers, particularly in the moisture-rich areas of the Garo Hills. The infection spreads quickly during the rainy season and can severely reduce yields. Conventional spraying methods often demand extensive labour, take considerable time, and struggle to reach the upper layers of tall arecanut palms—where the disease typically begins.

To overcome these limitations, agricultural drones fitted with precision spraying mechanisms were deployed to deliver biofungicides evenly across the tree canopies. Four affected orchards—two each in Chikasingre and Teksragre—were chosen for the demonstration, which was closely monitored by officials from the Agriculture Department.

Initial findings indicate that the drones achieved consistent droplet distribution and effective coverage across the canopy. Detailed evaluations on spray performance, disease control, and economic viability are now underway to determine the potential for wider adoption.

According to officials, if the results remain promising, this initiative could mark a major shift in how plantation crop diseases are managed in Meghalaya, integrating advanced drone technology with traditional agricultural practices to enhance sustainability and productivity across the region.

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CEO, Mavdrones

Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.

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About Pradipta V Mukherjee

CEO, Mavdrones Pradipta V Mukherjee is the visionary CEO of Mavdrones & Drone Pathshala, driving innovation and growth in the drone industry. With a passion for advanced technology, he leads the company's strategic direction, ensuring Mavdrones stays at the forefront of drone solutions. Under his leadership, Mavdrones has achieved remarkable success, including winning the 'Best Innovation and Technology in Drone Industry' award from ASSOCHAM. Pradipta is committed to revolutionizing the industry through advanced UAV technology, fostering a culture of excellence and forward-thinking within the organization.

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