Make in India: Locust Control Sprayer

The trials of Locust Control ULV sprayer under Make in India initiative were conducted in Ajmer and Bikaner and were successful. The trials were conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare.

Highlights

According to the United Nations, India is the first country to control locusts through drones.

The GoI has also issued Standard Operating Procedures for spraying aerial insecticides with the help of airplanes, drones and helicopters.

About the sprayer

The Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) locust control sprayers are vehicle mounted. The prototype of the sprayer was developed through an Indian manufacturer. This is being done to boost local production.

The Government of India has also expedited imported sprayers. So far, 15 sprayers have been received and the rest of 45 sprayers are to be received in a month.

Limitations

The ground control vehicles with the sprayers mounted on them can only spray up to a height of 25 to 30 feet. Hence, these sprayers have limitations of reaching tall trees. This limitation is being overcome by implementing drones.

Drones

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has empaneled two Indian firms to provide drone services for spraying pesticides to control locusts. The firms conducted trials in Shivpuri, MP and Jaipur, Rajasthan and succeeded

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2020