Dubai: FEDS Drone-powered Solutions (FEDS), a leading professional drone company and drone operator in the Middle East, is deploying drones and other advanced technology to revolutionize sustainable agriculture.
Regardless of the location and local environment, drones and Machine Learning (ML) are potent difference-makers that can give farmers and agronomists access to rich, up-to-date data and valuable insights into their crops, enable the development of sustainable plans, and maximize resource efficiency.
Agriculture and the food trade are the two primary engines responsible for feeding the world’s nearly 8.1 billion inhabitants. Agriculture is also intrinsically tied to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were introduced in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. SDG 2 ‘Zero Hunger’ calls for an end to hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.
While the agriculture industry has been able to meet the growing demand for food, it has done so at a significant cost to the environment. Reports note that agriculture is the second-most polluting sector and accounts for about 11 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions.
“FEDS is committed to driving sustainable agricultural practices that enhance food security, protect natural resources, and support the wellbeing of farming communities across the globe. Drones offer a path to precision farming over large areas of land which allows farmers to deploy resources including fertilizer, water and pesticides exactly when and where they are needed, reducing wastage and minimizing environmental impact,” said Mr. Rabih Bou Rached, Founder and CEO of FEDS.
“Equipped with advanced sensors, drones can also help farmers monitor plant stress and the presence of disease or pest infestations before issues would normally become visible to the human eye. As a result, farmers can respond in good time, prevent further damage, and maintain crop yields,” Rached added.
Fully achieving the requirements of SDG 2 therefore requires that the agriculture industry evolve and move towards sustainable practices. These advanced methods of farming will improve environmental health, minimize environmental impacts, reduce environmental risks, optimize resource usage and conservation, and – crucially – offer improved food production.
Precision agriculture has been gaining traction in recent years, and the use of drones and other technology has proven to be of significant value.