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Revolutionizing Rice Farming: The Rise of Drones in Vietnam
Key Takeaways
- Vietnamese farmers are increasingly adopting agricultural drones to offset rising input costs.
- XAG’s drones provide efficient solutions for tasks such as direct seeding, pesticide spraying, and fertilizer application.
- The Mekong Delta is at the forefront of this technological shift, transforming traditional rice farming practices.
- Drones not only save time and labor but also enhance sustainability and crop yields.
- Upcoming models will cater to a growing demand for larger payload capacities in the agricultural sector.
On May 6, 2022, the scenic landscapes of Dong Thap in Vietnam are witnessing an agricultural transformation as monsoon rains herald the start of the season. In response to surging agricultural input costs, XAG, a leader in agricultural drone technology, is ramping up its presence in the country, promoting a new era of rice production that promises sustainability and increased efficiency.
Vietnam, the world’s second-largest rice exporter, has rice as its staple food, nourishing 90% of its population and generating income for millions of small-scale farmers. However, the Mekong Delta, often termed the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, is grappling with challenges posed by rising prices of fertilizers and pesticides, largely stemming from global supply chain disruptions.
Agricultural drone has become a reliable tool for Vietnamese farmers to boost rice yields
Meeting Farmers’ Needs
As rice growers in the Mekong Delta seek ways to maximize their resources, XAG collaborates with local service teams to streamline farming practices. Drone technology has emerged as an innovative solution to reduce the use of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides while enhancing crop yields. According to claims from XAG’s regional distributor, DigiDrone, these agricultural drones can spray crops four times faster than manual methods and may boost yields by up to 14%.
The Mekong Delta is becoming a hotbed for technological adoption, with local farmers increasingly embracing the capability of newer agricultural systems. In Dong Thap, for instance, the XAG P40 drone has been deployed to spread lime over a paddy field to manage bacterial illnesses and enhance calcium levels in crops, underscoring the versatility of drone applications beyond basic functions.
XAG P40 is spraying lime powder to the rice paddy to treat disease
Efficiency and Automation in Action
In a demonstration of efficiency, a young pilot utilized a smartphone to control the drone’s operations, including flight speed, altitude, and spreading parameters, thus achieving automation of the spraying process. The RevoCast spreading system allowed for even distribution of lime on a 1.5-hectare area, conserving resources and improving plant absorption.
Transformative Changes in Farming Practices
In another breakthrough, a pilot project in Dong Thap showcased the advantages of drone seeding compared to traditional manual methods. Farmers, previously bogged down by labor-intensive practices, can now utilize drones to directly plant seeds into flooded fields with remarkable efficiency. The XAG P40 can autonomously drop seeds with precision, resulting in significant time savings and enhanced germination rates.
Nguyen, a 40-year-old farmer from the Mekong Delta who manages a 4-hectare rice field, reported that using the drone for the first time has transformed his farming practices. According to Nguyen, “Traditionally I could only spray an area of 5 hectares in a day, but now with the help of XAG’s farming drone, I can precisely treat 30 hectares without much effort.”
Nguyen, a farmer, is quite satisfied with the drone for seeding because of its efficiency
Embracing the Future
As the agricultural landscape evolves with drone technology, farmers like Nguyen can expect enhanced productivity and reduced dependence on manual labor. With an increasing number of farmers recognizing these benefits, industry observers suggest that drone usage in Vietnam’s agricultural sector is on the verge of significant expansion. To meet growing demand, XAG plans to introduce new models featuring larger payload capacities tailored for the Vietnamese market.
