Drone Technology Offers Lifeline to Mayem Farmers Battling Pest Attack

Mayem (North Goa): In a significant boost to local agriculture, farmers in Mayem village of Goa are turning to drone technology to combat a severe pest attack that has threatened standing crops across the region. The innovative intervention has not only helped contain the infestation but also restored hope among cultivators facing heavy losses.

Over the past few weeks, farmers in Mayem reported a rapid spread of pests, particularly affecting paddy and vegetable crops. The infestation, triggered by fluctuating weather conditions and rising humidity levels, led to visible crop damage and declining yields. Traditional methods of pesticide spraying proved time-consuming, labour-intensive, and often ineffective in covering large or waterlogged fields.

Recognising the urgency, the State Agriculture Department introduced drone-assisted pesticide spraying under its farm mechanisation initiative. Equipped with precision spraying systems, the drones can cover several acres in a short span while ensuring uniform distribution of pesticides.

Officials said the technology reduces chemical wastage by nearly 20–30% and minimises farmers’ direct exposure to harmful chemicals.

Local farmer groups in Mayem were given demonstrations and basic training to understand how drone spraying works. “Earlier, we had to manually carry heavy spray pumps across muddy fields. It would take two days to cover one hectare. With drones, the same work is completed within hours,” said a farmer from the village.

Agriculture officers explained that the drones use GPS mapping to identify affected zones and adjust spraying patterns accordingly. This targeted approach helps in controlling pests more effectively while protecting beneficial insects and reducing environmental impact.

The initiative has been welcomed by the farming community, especially small and marginal farmers who struggle with labour shortages. Authorities are now considering expanding drone services to other villages in North Goa if the pilot project in Mayem continues to show positive results.

Experts believe that integrating modern technology with traditional farming practices could strengthen Goa’s agricultural resilience against climate-related challenges. With pest attacks becoming more frequent due to changing weather patterns, precision agriculture tools like drones may soon become a common sight in the State’s fields.

As crops gradually recover and damage is brought under control, Mayem’s farmers see the drone intervention not just as a temporary solution, but as a glimpse into the future of sustainable farming in Goa.