Archive · 31 Jul 2025
Kerala University Uses Drones for Rice Planting
Imagine farmers using special flying robots called drones to plant rice seeds in watery fields.
This is happening in Kerala, India, where it's hard to farm because of mud and water.
These drones can spread seeds quickly and evenly, saving farmers time and effort.
The drones can carry germinated seeds, which grow well in the wet soil.
This new technology could help farmers grow more rice and make farming easier, especially in places where it's always wet, like in Kerala's Pokkali fields.
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) conducted a drone-based seed sowing trial in Kumbalangi paddy fields.
The project aims to modernize farming and address waterlogging challenges in Pokkali fields.
Drones can sow seeds in about 20-25 minutes per acre, reducing manual labor and seed usage.
The initiative is supported by World Bank funding and involves KAU, the State Agriculture Department, and Fuselage Innovation.
The technology is expected to revolutionize paddy cultivation in Kerala and similar regions.
- Who
- Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), State Agriculture Department, and Fuselage Innovation.
- What
- A drone-based seed sowing trial in paddy fields.
- When
- The trial was conducted recently (July 31, 2025 - the publication date).
- Where
- Kumbalangi paddy fields in Kerala.
- Why
- To modernize farming, reduce manual labor, and improve crop establishment in challenging conditions.
- Organization
- Kerala Agricultural University
- Location
- Kumbalangi, Kerala
- Technology
- Drone-based sowing
- Funding
- World Bank
- Seed type
- Germinated seeds
- Time per acre
- 20-25 minutes
- Seed saving
- Up to 10 kg per acre