DroneUA presented a series of methodological materials on the use of drones in fruit and vegetable cultivation.
Experts and practitioners of DroneUA have prepared a series of methodological manuals, which reveal the practical aspects of using drone sprayers in berry growing, gardening and vegetable growing.
The main goal of developing methodical materials is to promote the use of innovative solutions, drones and robotics in their production by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
The use of unmanned and robotic technologies will increase productivity and reduce costs, as well as make the products of Ukrainian farmers more competitive compared to foreign producers who, due to highly regulated legislation, cannot use drones in agriculture.
Increasing the economy and profitability of berry growing, horticulture and vegetable growing will simplify entry into the industry and contribute to the scaling of farms.
The methodological materials were developed within the framework of the USAID project "Project to popularize the services of application of fertilizers and PPE with the help of unmanned and robotic technologies among MSMEs working in the sectors of growing and processing vegetables, fruits and berries."
The project is being implemented by the DroneUA team (DIGI FLY LLC) within the framework of the USAID Program for Agrarian and Rural Development (AGRO), which is implemented by Chemonics International.
Goals of the USAID AGRO Program: improving productivity and access to markets in targeted value added chains, improving support functions and the regulatory and legal framework in the agricultural sector.
The next stage of the Project will be a series of field demonstrations. The format of the road show will allow to provide live knowledge about the technical implementation of the introduction of PPE by drones, work methodology, and agronomic aspects. Demonstrations will be held on the basis of existing farms.
The use of sprayer drones provides real savings for farmers, which is confirmed practically, namely:
- 30% savings in pesticides;
- 95% water savings;
- 90% fuel savings.
As Valery Yakovenko, co-founder of DroneUA, comments, "...starting a project of this scale is not only a step towards the formation of a culture of using innovations among small agribusinesses. This is a strategic opportunity for Ukraine to become number 1 in the world market for the use of smart technologies and robotics in agricultural production. Ukraine is already a leader in the European market in the use of spraying drones. The market for robotics services will continue to grow 4-5 times each year for the next 5 years. And we should use this trend as an elevator for domestic agribusiness and technological companies"
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The USAID Program for Agricultural and Rural Development (AGRO) is a five-year Program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which is implemented by Kimonix International.
The goal of the program: to accelerate the economic development of rural communities in Ukraine, which need the most support, by improving management in the agricultural sector, which will contribute to the development of more productive, modern and profitable micro, small and medium agricultural enterprises (MSMEs).
Goals of the USAID AGRO Program: improving productivity and access to markets in targeted value added chains, improving support functions and the regulatory and legal framework in the agricultural sector. The USAID AGRO program will help to increase the incomes of agricultural MSMEs and their access to financing and create a fair and transparent agricultural land market in Ukraine, which will reduce corruption in the agricultural sector.
