GENERAL
On the cutting-edge with crop-spraying drones
Drones also allow for greater penetration through the crop canopy as well as variable rates of application within the same field.
Unitrans Africa’s 50-year involvement in cutting-edge agricultural innovations across the continent is set to soar to new heights after the company’s recent acquisition of a fleet of the world’s largest spraying drones.
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he purchased seven Chinese-made DJI T30 Agras drones, which were developed at a cost of over R400 million, is set to become a game-changer for the agricultural industry across Africa in general and the SADC region in particular. The environmentally-friendly, low-cost T30 drones are already in operation in Malawi and Mozambique, with results exceeding expectations in the areas of spraying precision and the optimal utilisation of chemicals, thereby reducing costs and ensuring each crop’s specific needs are met. “Drones have so many advantages over planes, including being environmentally friendly,” says Unitrans CEO, Rob Hayworth. “Drones use batteries instead of fuel and can spray
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at night, whereas a plane cannot, thereby allowing for 24/7 spraying operations. “Drones also allow for greater penetration through the crop canopy as well as variable rates of application within the same field, which is a major advance in aerial spraying worldwide and a first for Africa. This means less water use and ensures that more chemicals go to where they are needed, instead of every part of a field receiving the same amount,” he adds. Hayworth’s comments echo those of a United Nations Food and Agriculture research report that highlighted a noticeable improvement in the growth speed and yield of crops
VEGETABLES & FRUIT | NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2021
