In the Yaroslavl region, they began to use a multicopter for spraying pesticides, fertilizers and sowing. The pilot project is being implemented by the Agromir agricultural enterprise, the press service of the Russian Ministry of Agriculture reports.
“Drone is useful in cases when equipment controlled by drivers cannot pass through the field due to weather conditions or other reasons,” said Artem Pochernin, General Director of the enterprise. “In addition, its use allows avoiding damage to crops by the wheels of agricultural vehicles.”
Agrodrone can fly at a speed of 7 meters per second. The tank is designed for 30 liters of liquid, enough for 12 minutes of flight, after which the air assistant returns to refuel and recharge. In eight hours of work, a tractor with a sprayer can process 60 hectares, and a copter - 130.
Quadcopters not only make it easier and cheaper to work in the field, but also allow people to avoid the health risks of working with hazardous chemicals. One operator can control three drones at once from the remote control.
This year, the area under open ground vegetables has doubled on the territory of the enterprise and by 7% - under planting potatoes.
“If the experiment is considered successful, Agromir will buy two more multicopters, which will completely cover the needs of the enterprise for tillage,” said Natalia Dugina, Deputy Director of the Department of Agro-Industrial Complex and Consumer Market of the Yaroslavl Region. The company receives various measures of state support. In particular, in 2021, it was allocated 56,2 million rubles in the form of subsidies for the purchase of agricultural machinery and equipment, feed, for the production and growth of milk, for agrotechnological work and the purchase of breeding stock. In addition, the company received a preferential loan and 7,6 million rubles of subsidies from the federal budget.”