Dr. Aruna Govada
Associate Professor and HoD
Dept. of Computer Engineering, Government Polytechnic, Daman
Dr. Vidhu Sekhar P
Assistant Professor
Department of Fashion Management Studies, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India, Daman Campus
Cotton, a cornerstone of India’s textile industry, relies heavily on innovative farming practices to boost productivity. Drones are transforming cotton cultivation by providing real-time crop health monitoring, detecting pests and diseases, and optimizing irrigation. This precision agriculture approach enables targeted interventions, reducing waste and increasing yields. With India being one of the world’s largest cotton producers, drone technology can significantly enhance the country’s cotton productivity, ultimately benefiting the textile sector. By leveraging drones, Indian cotton farmers can improve crop quality, reduce costs, and increase competitiveness in the global market.
Drones are aerial systems operated either remotely or autonomously, equipped with sensors, cameras, and communication modules. Their versatility stems from various designs, such as rotary-wing, fixed-wing, and hybrid models, which enable them to perform diverse tasks like surveying, monitoring, and delivering. Advances in artificial intelligence, GPS technology, and lightweight materials have significantly enhanced drone capabilities, making them more accessible and cost-effective for applications, particularly in developing nations like India.
Drones transform industries with innovative solutions and enhanced efficiency. In precision agriculture, they give real-time crop health data and targeted interventions. In Healthcare, they facilitate transporting medicines and vaccines to remote areas. In disaster management, they respond to aiding search and rescue operations. In environmental conservation, drones monitor wildlife populations, track migratory patterns, and deter poaching activities.
However, the operational challenges are not so easy to handle. The operation of drones in controlled airspace often requires permission from civil aviation authorities, leading to delays. Drones and their associated technologies are expensive to acquire and maintain. Training personnel and implementing necessary software further add to costs, making it challenging for small enterprises and local governments to adopt the technology. The lack of drone-compatible infrastructure, such as dedicated landing zones, charging stations, and reliable communication networks, restricts deployment in remote areas. Expanding 4G/5G networks, developing drone ports, and investing in solar-powered charging stations are potential solutions. Unauthorized drone use can lead to surveillance issues, raising questions about privacy and the ethical use of data. Mistrust and lack of familiarity with drone technology remain barriers, especially in rural areas.
In Telangana, the “Medicine from the Sky” program delivered vaccines and medical supplies to remote areas, reducing logistical barriers in healthcare. The mountainous terrain of Arunachal Pradesh makes traditional transportation methods impractical. Drones have emerged as a lifeline, delivering educational materials, medicines, and essential supplies to remote villages. During the devastating floods in Vijayawada, drones provided real-time imagery of affected areas, helping rescue teams assess the situation and plan their operations. They also delivered food, water, and medical supplies to stranded families, ensuring swift and targeted relief efforts while minimizing risks for rescue workers.
As drones become more accessible and their applications expand, they will continue to play a pivotal role in bridging gaps across sectors. Their ability to deliver critical services efficiently and equitably positions them as a transformative force for progress in India.
