Archive · 18 Nov 2025
ISRO, CPCRI Launch Drone Survey to Combat Arecanut Yellow Disease
The Indian government is using drones to help farmers in Karnataka fight a disease called Arecanut Yellow Disease (AYD) that's harming their arecanut crops.
The drones take pictures of the plants to find the disease, which will help scientists understand it better and find ways to stop it.
This is a big help for farmers who rely on arecanut for income.
ISRO and CPCRI begin drone-based survey to combat Arecanut Yellow Disease (AYD) in Karnataka
Survey covers 2.5 sq. km in Sullia taluk's Aranthodu and Peraje villages
Drones capture high-resolution images and videos of arecanut crowns for disease detection
Data to be analyzed and integrated with satellite datasets for regional mapping
Initiative follows MPs' and growers' delegation meeting with Union Agriculture Minister in August
- Who
- ISRO, CPCRI, Karnataka farmers, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- What
- Launched a drone-based survey to combat Arecanut Yellow Disease
- When
- Survey began this week
- Where
- Aranthodu and Peraje villages in Sullia taluk, Karnataka
- Why
- To understand and combat Arecanut Yellow Disease, which is causing significant losses to farmers
- Disease
- Arecanut Yellow Disease (AYD)
- Affected Area
- Coastal and Malnad districts of Karnataka
- Survey Area
- 2.5 sq. km in Aranthodu and Peraje villages
- Organizations Involved
- ISRO, CPCRI, Karnataka government, Union Agriculture Ministry
- Expected Outcomes
- Identify disease patterns, track palm changes, evolve early-warning models