The country may use of drones for development of the horticultural sector especially in research, development and pest-surveillance if the recommendation by experts is taken into consideration.
Horticultural scientists from 11 countries deliberated on ways to develop the country’s horticultural sector and making it future-ready over this week in Bengaluru. The international symposium was organised as part of efforts to provide a roadmap for horticultural development on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research. Experts said drones should be used at least in an experimental stage in some crops. to begin with.
Stressing the need for adoption of cutting-edge technology, the symposium that concluded on Friday, recommended extensive use of multiple information communication tools for monitoring and quick dissemination of information at lower costs. They also suggested standardisation of e-pest surveillance and monitoring with latest GPS-based real time and robot-assisted tools for important crops.
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Making it clear that “produce more with less inputs” should be the mantra, the symposium stressed the need for vigorously pursuing precision horticultural practices which enhance efficiency of usage of all the inputs besides increasing yield. It was also suggested that research should focus on trade priorities so that India can take advantage of the growing global horticultural trade. Emphasising preservation of plant genetic resources especially fruits, it pushed for preservation through custodianship of communities and farmers.