Revolutionizing Rice Farming in Brazil with Agras T40 Drones

 

 

A New Era in Rice Farming

 

Rice farming in Brazil has a rich history, integral to the country's culture and economy. Nestled within the lush fields of Santa Catarina, rice farmers have faced numerous challenges in their quest to produce high-quality crops. The introduction of advanced technologies, like DJI’s Agras T40 drone, has brought about a revolution in farming practices. This article highlights the benefits of using drones in rice farming and explores how the Agras T40 has helped farmers overcome traditional challenges.

 

 

 

The Challenges Faced by Brazilian Rice Farmers

 

Brazilian rice farmers have long contended with pests that threaten crop health, leading to reduced yields and financial losses. They include:

 

1. Oryzophagus oryzae: Commonly known as the rice water weevil, this pest afflicts rice crops, where both larvae and adults cause damage to the plants.
2. Tibraca limbativentris: Known as the rice stalk stink bug, this insect feeds on rice plants, causing damage that can lead to significant yield losses.
3. Spodoptera frugiperda: Commonly referred to as the fall armyworm, this highly destructive pest affects a wide range of crops, including maize, rice, sorghum, and others.
4. Oebalus poecilus: Known as the rice stink bug, this pest primarily affects rice crops, feeding on the developing grains and reducing yield and quality.
5. Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale: Known as the rice root aphid, this species attacks the roots of rice plants and can transmit plant diseases, leading to reduced crop health and yields.

 

Traditional methods, while effective to some degree, have proven time-consuming, costly, and often impractical.

 

 

 

Goals of Using Agras T40 Drones

 

The primary goal of integrating Agras T40 drones into rice farming is to improve work efficiency and increase the income of rice farmers. These drones offer precise control over various farming tasks such as spraying pesticides and fertilizers, which helps to reduce wastage and overuse of chemicals. By leveraging advanced drone technology, farmers can save significant amounts of time, reduce chemical usage, and ensure uniformity in crop treatment. This not only enhances the overall quality of the rice crops but also promotes sustainable farming practices and reduces environmental impact. As a result, rice farmers can achieve better yields and higher profits, contributing to the overall growth of the agricultural sector.

 

 

Shortcomings of Traditional Techniques

 

Limitations of Conventional Methods

 

Before drones, farmers relied heavily on tractors to manage large fields. However, tractors are not without their drawbacks. The process of using tractors can be lengthy, and they often crush the rice plants, leading to uneven application and reduced crop quality. They also can't be used on hilly areas where rice is oftentimes grown. Operating over rice paddies, a tractor can cover about 7.5 hectares per hour.

 

Cost and Time Inefficiencies

 

Traditional farming techniques are not only costly but also time-consuming. The inefficiency of tractors and manual labor can delay crucial farming activities, affecting the overall productivity of the farm. Tractors can have a significant initial cost of approximately R$300,000 ($58,000 USD), which is prohibitive for many farmers in Brazil. Spraying manually can result in a lack of uniformity in the application of pesticides and herbicides, which can lead to inconsistent crop health.

 

Safety Concerns

 

Using heavy machinery like tractors poses safety risks for operators, particularly in challenging terrains. The difficulty in controlling these machines can lead to accidents and injuries, further complicating the farming process. Manual spraying can expose workers to chemicals which can have adverse health effects.

 

 

Introducing the End-User

 

Meet Solano - The Innovative Farmer

 

Solano, a forward-thinking farmer from Santa Catarina, has been dealing with the challenges of traditional rice farming for years. In 2020, he learned about DJI Agriculture drones and realized their potential to revolutionize his farming practices. By 2023, Solano had fully integrated Agras T40 drones into his operations, significantly improving his farm's efficiency and productivity.

 

 

 

Why Solano Chose DJI Agras Drones

 

Solano went with DJI Agras drones for several reasons:

 

• Efficiency: The drones save time and reduce the need for manual labor.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Reduced chemical usage and operational costs.
• Uniformity: Consistent application of treatments across the fields.
• Safety: Enhanced control and reduced risk of accidents.

 

 

Experience and Expertise

 

With a team of two pilots, Solano has treated over 1,000 hectares of rice fields using DJI Agriculture drones. His experience spans various crops, making him a seasoned expert in leveraging drone technology for farming.

 

 

Operation Workflow

 

Date and Time of Intervention

 

The drone intervention took place from September to February, a period characterized by temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius and wind speeds between 3.4 to 5.4 meters per second. These conditions were ideal for the drone operations, ensuring optimal performance and effectiveness.

 

Drone Model and Features - Why the Agras T40?

The Agras T40 was chosen for its numerous advantages, including time savings, reduced chemical usage, and uniform application. Its adjustable droplet size, atomized spray, obstacle sensing, and Terrain Following capabilities made it the ideal choice for this operation.

 

Essential Features for Success

 

• Adjustable Droplet Size: Ensured precise application of chemicals.
• Atomized Spray: Enhanced coverage and penetration.
• Obstacle Sensing and Terrain Following: Improved navigation and safety.

 

 

 

Chemical Information

 

For this intervention, several pesticides were used throughout the rice growing cycle. In the initial phases, the herbicide clomazone(i.a) was used for weed management. Later on, cypermethrin(i.a) was used for insect management, and at the end of the growing cycle the fungicide tebuconazole(i.a) was used for disease management. It is important, regardless of the product used, to verify that it is registered for aerial spraying before use.

 

Operation Details

 

Workflow and Parameters

 

The operation involved several steps:

 

1. Map Operation Area: Captured field data to plan the mission.
2. Analyze Data (if applicable): Assessed field conditions and requirements.
3. Flight Planning: Developed a detailed route for the drone.
4. Operation: Conducted spraying using the Agras T40 drone.

 

Specific Parameters

 

• Operation Mode: Automatic.
• Operation Speed: 24-36 km/h
• Operation Height: 33.5-4.5 meters above the crops
• Line Spacing/Width: 9-11 meters
• Liquid Amount: 10 liters per hectare.

 

Duration and Resources

 

The total operation duration was efficiently managed with teams taking advantage of the best times and weather conditions for application. Multiple flights were performed, utilizing several batteries to ensure continuous operation.

 

 

 

Results and Benefits

 

Immediate Effects

 

The results of the drone intervention were evident within a short period. Treated crops showed significant improvement compared to untreated controls, highlighting the effectiveness of the Agras T40 drone.

 

Long-Term Benefits

 

The use of DJI drones brought numerous benefits, including:

 

• Time Savings: Reduced the time required for spraying.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Lowered the cost of chemical usage and labor.
• Uniformity: Ensured consistent application across the fields.
• Safety: Enhanced control and reduced risk of accidents.

 

Testimonials from the Field

 

Solano’s Experience

 

Solano expressed his satisfaction with the DJI Agras T40 drone, stating, "The Agras T40 has transformed our rice farming practices. It's efficient, cost-effective, and ensures uniform application. We plan to continue using drones in future seasons."

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Key Takeaways

 

The integration of DJI Agras T40 drones in rice farming has revolutionized the industry in Brazil. Farmers like Solano have experienced significant improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and crop health. The advanced features of the Agras T40, coupled with its ease of use, make it an invaluable tool for modern farming.

 

Final Thoughts

 

For those interested in leveraging drone technology for farming, the DJI Agras T40 offers a powerful solution. Its ability to save time, reduce costs, and ensure uniformity makes it a game-changer in agriculture. By adopting such innovative technologies, farmers can enhance their productivity and sustainability, paving the way for a brighter future in farming.

 

Special thanks to Campoar Drones Agrícolas for their support in this case study. 

 

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DJIAgriculture

Follow us on YouTube: youtube.com/@DJIAgriculture

Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/djiagriculture_official