The use of drones to fertilise padi fields is gaining popularity among farmers in the state and elsewhere, but farmers and operators had previously faced problems due to the lack of logistical support.
Now, these difficulties have been resolved.
An instructor involved with the project at GiatMara Jitra, Ahmad Bakri Desa, said the development of the “drone carrier” came about after seeing drone makers face issues transporting their sophisticated equipment to the fields.
“In the ‘drone carrier’, the drone is placed safely inside with the pesticides and water separated for safety purposes. Previously, drone operators faced problems because the pesticides and the drones were loaded together in vans or cars,” he said.
Bakri spoke to FMT while participating at an entrepreneurship and education outreach programme hosted by the rural development ministry at the Padang Kerasak community centre in Naka, Kedah, which was officiated by minister Mahdzir Khalid.
The innovation was the result of work from 10 instructors and trainees, who modified a four-wheel-drive to accommodate a large drone, an isolated pesticide storage area and a 250-litre water tank.
Agricultural drones have a wide range of applications, particularly for rice farmers, as they are capable of performing three main tasks: sowing seeds, distributing pesticides and monitoring cultivation.
Drones can also be flown directly from the “drone carrier” through a modified, motorised roof which opens into the drone storage area.
Bakri said the “drone carrier” was also equipped with a battery to charge the drone it houses, which allows for operation over long stretches of time.
“Efficiency is the key to the construction of the ‘drone carrier’ because the process of mixing the pesticide can be done in the vehicle. Previously, drone operators only brought unclean water with them because of the difficulty of bringing clean water to be combined with the pesticide,” he said.
Manufacturing ideas
He said the idea was the result of a “custom car challenge” implemented by GiatMara at its headquarters, with each state asked to produce something for the competition.
“During the MCO (movement control order), teaching sessions could not be carried out, so we took the chance to produce these ‘drone carriers’ as a way to strengthen team morale and improve our skills.”
Bakri said the development of the device was completed within three months, with the vehicle fully operational by Nov 30.
“We hope agricultural modernisation in our state will be developed, especially in facilitating the use of new technologies for capacity building,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mahdzir said his ministry had allocated RM1.92 million to help rural entrepreneurs revive businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said the allocation was channelled via the Rural Entrepreneurship Enhancement Support Programme.
“(This programme) is also one of the initiatives under the strategies to strengthen the rural entrepreneurship support programme of the 100-Day Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia.
“Beginning last September, the ministry had implemented the SPKLB Restart Support Programme, which aims to help rural entrepreneurs affected by Covid-19 restart their businesses by providing grants for the purchase or repair of assets like machinery or equipment, as well as for working capital and renovation of premises with a value of RM3,000 to RM5,000,” he said.
He said rural entrepreneurs who have not yet applied for the grant should act immediately to ensure that they can restore their income.