‘Drones SP’ program launched to enhance agricultural spraying technologies

Brazil has officially launched the "Drones SP" program to improve technologies for applying chemical and biological pesticides using drones. 

In this initial phase, companies interested in permanently joining the project are being registered.

Drones SP is a joint initiative of the Coopercitrus Credicitrus Foundation, affiliated with one of Brazil's largest agricultural cooperatives, and the Center for Engineering and Automation (CEA) of the Agronomic Institute (IAC).

The organizers have announced the opening of an officially approved testing and experimentation field for agricultural drones in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. According to them, the goal is to concentrate the program's research at this location.

Hamilton Ramos, scientific researcher, coordinator of Drones SP, and director of CEA-IAC, expected an initial participation of five to ten companies in the first year.

Ramos envisions incorporating the same business model used in other CEA-IAC initiatives into Drones SP, such as the IAC-Quepia program. This program focused on improving the quality of agricultural personal protective equipment (PPE), has been operational for over 17 years with private shareholder resources.

"The trials for the Drones SP program have already begun, and the initial results are promising," Ramos emphasized. 

"Our goal is to bring together a group of companies from the agricultural defense sector and agribusiness in general, capable of generating resources for continuous investment in research through the acquisition of equal participation shares," he added.

According to the researcher, companies joining Drones SP will have access to all data and conclusions from the program's research, among other benefits, including training sessions during field days.

"Drones SP focuses on application technology and the effective and safe use of equipment on farms. It covers concepts such as spray volume, coverage rate, droplet size, climatic conditions, product drift, input compatibility, and more," Ramos said.

"This is an emerging, revolutionary technology, but there are still many points to clarify regarding its effectiveness and economic viability on farms," the program leader said in conclusion.

The launch of Drones SP marks a significant step in the modernization of Brazilian agriculture, potentially leading to more efficient and sustainable farming practices. As the program develops, it could set new standards for drone use in agriculture, not only in Brazil but potentially influencing practices worldwide.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)