Authors: Afroditi Sakellaropoulou and Esmeralda Rouka from Hellenic Drones S.A.
In this article, Afroditi Sakellaropoulou and Esmeralda Rouka from Hellenic Drones S.A. share their expertise on drone spraying systems. Hellenic Drones’ role in the SmartVitiNet project is to develop and enhance the onboard hardware and software framework. This will enable drones to autonomously navigate above target fields, receive information from vineyard diagnostic algorithms, and spray the infected vines.
Agriculture in Greece has always been a cornerstone of the economy and a key part of the cultural heritage. As the country looks to the future, there’s a new technology set to transform farming practices: drone spraying systems. These high-tech helpers promise to bring precision, efficiency, and sustainability to Greek agriculture.
Why Greek Agriculture Needs Innovation
Greek farming is steeped in tradition, with methods passed down through generations. However, modern challenges like climate change, labor shortages, and the need for sustainable farming practices are pushing the industry to innovate. Drones are at the forefront of this shift, offering a solution to some of these pressing issues; within the Greek Digital Transformation Strategy for 2020-2025, uncrewed vehicles are outlined as a means of improving the living conditions of animals through better pasture management; streamlining production processes, for example by applying soil activators; and conducting remote forest surveillance to detect possible fire outbreaks.
Yet, despite these promising applications, drones are not yet widely adopted by Greek agricultural stakeholders, such as farmers, animal breeders, cooperatives, public agencies, and institutions on a large scale.
Read on to understand more about the benefits and challenges posed by this proposed innovative practice.
How Drone Spraying Systems Work
Drone spraying systems are not just about flying robots; they are about smart farming. Here’s how they work:
Mapping and Planning: Drones first survey the fields, creating detailed maps that show variations in soil health, plant growth, and pest infestations.
Data Analysis: Farmers use this data to identify areas that need treatment, ensuring that chemicals are used only where necessary.
Precision Spraying: Equipped with spray nozzles, drones apply pesticides or fertilizers accurately to the targeted areas, minimizing waste.
Real-Time Monitoring: During spraying, drones collect data and provide real-time feedback, allowing farmers to make on-the-fly adjustments for optimal results.
Benefits of Drone Spraying in Greek Agriculture
Efficiency and Cost Savings: Traditional methods of spraying can be slow and labor-intensive. Drones can cover large areas quickly, reducing the need for manual labor and cutting costs.
Precision and Reduced Waste: By targeting specific areas, drones reduce the amount of chemicals used, which is better for the environment and more cost-effective.
Safety: Using drones keeps farmers away from potentially hazardous chemicals, making farming safer, especially in difficult-to-reach areas.
Sustainability: Optimizing the use of resources with drones helps preserve Greece’s ecosystems and maintain soil health
The Role of Agriculture 4.0
Agriculture 4.0 refers to systems that employ digital technologies, such as drones, robotics, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. Specifically, drone applications are expected to become more advanced, reliable, and affordable.
A recent survey aimed to shed light on the adoption of drones by farmers in today’s fields. The findings reveal a positive attitude among Greek farmers towards using drones in their cultivation activities. Although they view drones as useful tools for facilitating their daily agricultural practices and most have seen them in action, they often lack the knowledge on how to use them and understand their full capabilities. To increase acceptance and usage of drone agricultural applications and to fully benefit from this technology, it is crucial for agricultural stakeholders to be informed, educated, and adequately trained.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite their benefits, drone spraying systems face several challenges in Greece. High initial costs, regulatory hurdles, and the need for technical training are significant barriers. However, there are ways to address these issues.
Given the importance of agriculture to the Greek economy, public agencies and agricultural institutions must actively engage in developing and promoting drone applications. Policymakers should initiate programs and develop regulations and guidelines to raise awareness and provide education and training for agricultural stakeholders. The Greek government and agricultural organizations are now beginning to recognize the potential of drones.
Simplifying regulatory frameworks is, also, essential. Both the Greek government and the EU can help create a balanced regulatory environment with clear guidelines and more accessible licensing processes. Public-private partnerships can also accelerate adoption by sharing knowledge and resources.
European and national funding programs, such as the EU’s Horizon Europe and Greek government subsidies, can help offset initial costs. Moreover, collaborative projects, such as the SmartVitiNet Project, involving universities, research institutions, and the agricultural sector, can drive innovation and improve drone technology.
Finally, developing the necessary infrastructure such as dedicated drone zones, reliable connectivity, and training centres to educate farmers-will support the widespread use of drones in agriculture.
Success Stories in Greece
Some Greek farmers are already experiencing the benefits of drones. In Crete, vineyard owners have reduced pesticide use by 30% while increasing grape yields. Olive farmers in Kalamata have also seen improvements in crop health and productivity thanks to precision spraying.
Conclusion
The integration of drone spraying systems in Greek agriculture represents a leap forward for the industry. By embracing this technology, Greek farmers can enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and ensure sustainable practices. As drones take to the skies over Greece’s fields, they bring the promise of a new era where tradition and technology coexist harmoniously, ensuring prosperity for both the land and its people.
Stay connected with SmartVitiNet and never miss an update! Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, insights, and advancements in sustainable viticulture. For real-time updates and engaging discussions, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Join our growing community and be part of the conversation shaping the future of viticulture.
Comments