Syngenta India’s ‘Drone Yatra’ reaches Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, September 01, 2022:  The use of drones will significantly improve the ease of farming and Uttar Pradesh Government is making concerted efforts for multifaceted use of drone technology – right from spraying of fertilizer to monitoring development and welfare projects – said Agriculture Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Surya Pratap Shahi on Thursday, on Syngenta’s Drone Yatra arrival in the state.

Demonstration of spraying with drone was given to more than 300 farmers in rice farm while the Drone Yatra reached Lucknow to make them aware of this breakthrough technology.

In a first-of-its kind initiative, Syngenta India had flagged off a Drone Yatra on July 15 from its Pune headquarters. It is scheduled to travel 10,000 kms, across 13 states to create awareness on drone spraying among 10,000 farmers. Syngenta is among the first few private players to get Central Government’s permission to use drones. The drone yatra has already travelled through Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

“Digitally driven agriculture is becoming the need of the hour. There is a huge scope for the use of multiple applications in drone in farming in Uttar Pradesh, which is a leader in paddy, wheat, bajra, barley among cereals. Mustard seeds, linseed, sesame, groundnut, gram, pea, masoor and arhar are grown in abundance in the state” said Shri Shahi while speaking as the Chief Guest at a function held in Malihabad Tehsil in Lucknow district to mark the arrival of ‘Syngenta Drone Yatra.’

“Now we can see the benefits of latest technology in our fields and can experience the same with global pace and this drone technology would not only provide the employment to youths but also solve the paucity of labour and help in saving soil and environment as well, thanks to Syngenta for making this happen. This would also help in fulfilling the commitment of our honourable PM Sri Narendra Modi towards doubling the income of growers. The technology will increase their income by bringing down the cost of spraying besides preventing the crops from insects, flies and locusts”, Shri Shahi added.

“It’s so encouraging to see that Uttar Pradesh has not only shown interest but has also put in place a roadmap to drive agriculture technologically, which will make farming cost-effective and enhance farmers’ incomes. Technology like drones will increase yield, profitability, and sustainability of farming. Drone spraying can help farmers spray 1 acre of farmland in just seven minutes which can help save on labour cost and increase farmers’ efficiency”, said Dr KC Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India.

In the past few years, Uttar Pradesh government has made significant headway towards adoption of technology in agriculture. The state government led by CM Shri Yogi Adityanath has already announced provisions for exploring the potential of manufacturing drones in UP.

The plans to set up drone manufacturing units in Uttar Pradesh will be a game-changer not only for the farmers of the state but for the entire agro economy of the country, ensuring the best use of drones in agriculture, disaster management, health, maintenance of law and order, among others.

“Through Syngenta’s innovative interventions, we will enable farmers to increase yields while adding resilience to environmental sustainability,” said Dr Ravi.

Government officials including Vivek Kumar Singh, Director of Agriculture; RK Singh, Joint Agriculture Director Bureau; Neeraj Srivastava, Joint Agriculture Director Engineering and SB Singh, Managing Director, Seed Development Corporation Lucknow among others were present to witness this unique initiative. Sachin Upadhyay, Amit Saini, Dr Ramadan Alam, Trilok Pal Singh, Ravi Tomar and Mayur Srivastava were present at the demonstration from Syngenta India.

 

About Syngenta

Syngenta is one of the world’s leading agriculture companies, comprising Syngenta Crop Protection and Syngenta Seeds. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. We aim to improve the sustainability, quality and safety of agriculture with world class science and innovative crop solutions. Our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources. Syngenta Crop Protection and Syngenta Seeds are part of Syngenta Group. In more than 100 countries we are working to transform how crops are grown. Through partnerships, collaboration and The Good Growth Plan we are committed to accelerating innovation for farmers and nature, striving for regenerative agriculture, helping people stay safe and healthy and partnering for impact.

 

To learn more, visit us at www.syngenta.com, www.syngenta.co.in

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Media Contact:

Tehseen Zaidi
Mob: 9650465252
Tehseen.Zaidi@syngenta.com