1.
Could you elaborate on the strategic vision behind integrating drones into agriculture in Mauritius and provide an overview of how they are being used to enhance farm efficiency?
Our initiative to embark into drone technologies is a ‘natural’ evolution as, since early 1990s, the MSIRI has been pioneering use of both Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing as tools to improve management of sugarcane fields, including development of precision farming (GPS guidance). A Land Index with detailed field maps, soil types, terrain sloppiness, altitude, land contours, agroclimatic conditions, and field boundaries have been maintained and updated to serve the local planting community.
In 2019, with the acquisition of a first drone mounted with a multispectral camera and a drone sprayer, the strategic vision of the MCIA/MSIRI has been to leverage this nascent technology to advance high-precision farming practices in Mauritian sugarcane fields; all applications developed are aiming at increasing sugarcane productivity, reducing costs of production, and gearing towards more sustainable practices. To realize this vision, the MCIA Drone Unit was established with additional investments in hardware (workstations), software for image processing, and training of four pilots to lead drone-related research activities in sugarcane fields.
Farm efficiency is enhanced through the availability of real-time data; drone imagery can be used to create more detailed thematic maps of sugarcane fields, help farmers to monitor crop health, evaluate growth patterns, estimate yield potential, optimize water drainage in fields, and identify areas needing rapid intervention, such as weed infestations. Precision or targeted spraying of herbicides, application of ripeners and, recently, foliar spraying of nano-fertilizer in sugarcane fields can all benefit sugarcane production and the environment.
2. How has the adoption of drones progressed in the sugarcane industry in Mauritius? Are there plans to expand their use to other types of agriculture?
In the field of drone imagery capture, the MCIA Drone Unit has already mastered all the basic skills, starting with piloting automatic image capture, data processing, and analysis with specialized software including Agisoft, Pix4D fields, e-Cognition, ArcGIS, and AutoCAD Civil 3D. The applications developed include mapping of weed infestations and gaps in sugarcane fields, crop height measurements from crop surface models, and digital terrain modelling for farm planning purposes. Currently, the MCIA Team is testing use of highly accurate drone imagery to complement satellite imagery; all these data are also being used to initiate Artificial Intelligence for crop data analysis and other applications.
The adoption of drones for spraying purposes in sugarcane fields has already reached an industrial scale. It started in 2023 with the application of sugarcane “Ripeners” on 100 ha of land to increase sucrose content in the stalks; for the 2024 crop season, it is estimated that more than 1,500 ha of sugarcane lands will be treated by drones. Over and above spraying of ripeners, commercial herbicide applications are also practiced by some growers. Spraying with drones is a cost-effective alternative to lack of labour for such practices, particularly in fields where conventional mechanization is not possible.
The main challenge, hindering massive adoption of this technology, is the lack of DCA certified operators for drones, resulting in a limited number of service providers. The MCIA is envisaging assistance for training of pilots and extending its knowhow to the Planters community, encouraging them to invest in this technology.
Drone spraying can be easily adapted for other types of agriculture like the optimal and precise application of pesticides or fungicides on vegetable crops, temporal analyses of vegetable crops in different localities, monitoring of trees in planted forests. Based on our positive experience, in assisting the Ministry of Health and Wellness in vector control efforts with insecticides application against Dengue Fever, we are very optimistic that the drone spraying technology will be adopted countrywide.
3. In what ways do drones improve crop monitoring, pest control, and irrigation efficiency?
Drones mounted with multispectral sensors can assess plant health and other agronomic characteristics by capturing data beyond the visible spectrum; the processed data can then be used to improve crop monitoring and decision making. This data allows for early detection of pests and diseases, thus enabling timely intervention.
The MCIA/MSIRI team has already demonstrated several agronomic applications for sectors other than sugarcane; examples include production of thematic maps with crop (different vegetables) classification; tree height measurements in forests, etc.
4. How have drones, through precision agriculture techniques, impacted cost savings and pesticide use for farmers? How do these benefits compare to traditional methods in terms of time and labour savings?
Currently, drone application is more cost- and time-effective compared to manual spraying; one hectare can be treated within 30 minutes with a relatively small drone sprayer (limited to 20 kg max take-off load as authorized in Mauritius) compared to 2 man-days for manual application. The spray volume is also significantly reduced, with 30 to 35 L/ha for the drone sprayer as compared to 350 to 540 L/ha for knapsack sprayers. For some selected agrochemicals, the reduced volume of spray also allows a significant reduction in amount of active ingredients used, therefore more environment friendly.
5. What are the cost implications of adopting drones for agricultural purposes, and how accessible is this technology for small and medium-sized farmers?
The initial costs in adopting drones may be high for some small and medium-sized farmers; this is why the MCIA is providing such services to Small Cane Growers and promoting emergence of service providers. For large growers, the long-term benefits, such as increased efficiency and reduced input costs, will fully justify the investment. As drone technology becomes more affordable and accessible, it is expected that more small-scale farmers will be able to adopt it by regrouping into cooperatives or associations. Government incentives and subsidies may also play a role in making this technology more accessible.
6. How can small-scale farmers benefit from drone technology in their daily operations?
Small-scale farmers can gain considerable advantages from drone technology, including enhanced ability to monitor and manage crops with limited resources. Drones offer a cost-effective way to conduct detailed field surveys, track crop health, and optimize resource use. By leveraging drones, small farmers can implement precision agriculture practices that would otherwise be out of reach, leading to increased productivity and better management of inputs. Drone sprayers may be a substitute to manual labour for applications of pesticides in fields.
7. Could you explain the steps involved in operating a drone for agricultural purposes? Are there specific licenses or certifications required, and what is the process for obtaining them?
Operating drones for agricultural purposes involves several key steps: flight planning, conducting pre-flight checks, flying the drone to collect data, and processing the captured information. In Mauritius, drone operators must comply with Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) regulations, which typically require certification prior to operate a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). This involves completing a training program that covers drone operation, safety protocols, and data management. The certification process ensures that operators are skilled in using drones effectively and safely. The steps involved also require proper insurance policies, and a sound agronomic knowledge associated with the respective crop or application.
8. Drone technology has the potential to attract younger generations to agriculture. Have you observed any tangible results in terms of increased interest from young people? Are there specific programs to train them in the use of agricultural drones?
The introduction of drone technology has the potential to revitalize interest in agriculture among younger generations by showcasing modern, tech-driven farming practices. This new technology will easily attract youngsters to operate such tool rather than to work as a labourer and transport a 25 kg knapsack sprayer over four to five hours per working day.
In Mauritius, educational programs and training initiatives must be developed to embark more young operators to drone technology and its applications in agriculture. These programs must include hands-on training, workshops, and collaborations with educational institutions to equip students with the skills needed to operate drones and to process/analyse agricultural data. Such initiatives are aimed at bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and modern technological advancements, thereby fostering a new generation of tech-savvy agricultural professionals. The MCIA is currently planning to organise such specific training courses for its various stakeholders, including young agronomists and technicians.
