Flight to wellbeing

Flight to wellbeing

Context: Mansukh Mandaviya in a recent editorial covered in The Indian Express talks about NAMO Drone Didi scheme, Fertigation system, manufacturing of drones, empowerment of rural women workers etc. (We will discuss some aspects from the editorial here)

What is Fertigation?
• Fertigation is a process that combines fertilization and irrigation. It involves the injection of fertilizers, soil amendments, water amendments, and other water-soluble products into an irrigation system.
• This method is used extensively in commercial agriculture and horticulture, and is increasingly being used for landscaping.

Benefits:
• Increased nutrient absorption by plants.
• Accurate placement of nutrients, where the water goes, the nutrient goes as well.
• Ability to “micro dose”, feeding the plants just enough so nutrients can be absorbed and are not left to be washed down to storm water next time it rains.
• Reduction of fertilizer, chemicals, and water needed.
• Reduced leaching of chemicals into the water supply.
• Reduced water consumption due to the plant’s increased root mass’s ability to trap and hold water.

What are the different types of Fertigation systems?
• Central Fertigation System (CFS): In a central fertigation system, there is one inlet and outlet. The fertilizer solution is pumped to the plants via a single line, which minimizes waste. This system is used for large groups of plants, such as rows or greenhouses.
• Water-Based Fertigation Systems
• Ebb and Flow Fertigation System: This system is designed to deliver water and nutrients to plants in a controlled manner. You can regulate the flow of this system by using a timer.
• Aeroponic Fertigation System: In this system, water and nutrients are delivered to the plants as a mist or aerosol, allowing the roots to absorb nutrients while being exposed to air.
• Drip Fertigation System, Sprinkler Fertigation System

How drone technology provides answer to efficient Fertigation system?
• The emergence of Kisan Drones has opened up immense possibilities towards revolutionising agricultural practices.
• The automation of the spraying system by means of agri-drones provides a time-saving and efficient application system. This will help do away with the practice of hand-held back-strapped pumps.
• The NAMO Drone Didi scheme – An initiative that aims to supply drones to 15,000 women SHG’s to rent to farmers for agriculture purposes is an example of harnessing technological innovation to empower rural women.
• The government’s initiatives in launching Liquid Nano Urea, Nano DAP can be used alongwith Agridrones which has the scope to revolutionize Indian agriculture and enhance rural economy.