Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh | In a major step toward modernizing Indian agriculture, Dhamtari district in Chhattisgarh has become the first district in the state to provide drone-based agricultural spraying services to farmers through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). The initiative aims to promote scientific farming, improve productivity, reduce cultivation costs, and expand the use of advanced agricultural technology in rural areas.
The service was officially launched by Cooperation, Forest, Climate Change, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kedar Kashyap, who personally flew a drone during the inauguration ceremony at the Primary Agricultural Credit Society in Loharsi village, demonstrating the government’s commitment to technology-driven farming.
10 PACS Begin Drone Sprayer Operations
During the first phase, 10 selected PACS in Dhamtari district have been equipped with drone sprayer services. The participating societies include:
- Bodra
- Loharsi
- Donar
- Achhota
- Kharenga
- Bhothidih
- Kundel
- Garadih
- Jugdehi
- Kareli
Farmers associated with these societies will now be able to book drone spraying services for their fields by paying a nominal service fee.
Drone Technology to Transform Farming
During the demonstration, trained local drone operators showcased how the drones can accurately spray fertilizers and pesticides across large agricultural fields in significantly less time than traditional methods.
According to agricultural experts, the technology offers several important benefits:
- Precise application of fertilizers and pesticides
- Reduced farming costs
- Lower labor requirements
- Improved crop protection
- Reduced exposure of farmers to harmful chemicals
- Higher operational efficiency
- Better crop quality and yield
The drone system enables targeted spraying, ensuring that chemicals are applied only where needed, thereby minimizing wastage and environmental impact.
Government’s Vision for Smart Agriculture
Speaking at the event, Minister Kedar Kashyap said the initiative reflects the vision of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to encourage technology-driven agriculture across Chhattisgarh.
He emphasized that extending drone services through cooperative societies will make farming:
- More profitable
- More scientific
- Safer
- Environmentally sustainable
The minister added that Dhamtari is being developed as a model district for agricultural innovation, and similar services will gradually be expanded to other districts across the state.
Collector Highlights First-Phase Rollout
Dhamtari Collector Abinash Mishra stated that the project has initially been implemented in 10 cooperative societies, allowing thousands of farmers to access modern spraying technology without purchasing expensive drone equipment themselves.
The district administration expects the initiative to improve agricultural productivity while reducing operational expenses for small and marginal farmers.
PACS to Become Multi-Service Rural Centers
The initiative extends beyond agriculture.
With support from CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, these Primary Agricultural Credit Societies will also be developed into Common Service Centers (CSCs).
This transformation will enable farmers to access multiple services under one roof, including:
- Digital government services
- Agricultural advisory support
- Financial services
- Cooperative facilities
- Online citizen services
The integrated approach is expected to strengthen rural governance and improve service delivery.
Environmental Protection and Rural Employment
Officials noted that drone-based precision spraying will significantly reduce excessive chemical use, helping protect:
- Soil health
- Water resources
- Local biodiversity
- Environmental quality
The initiative is also expected to generate new employment opportunities for rural youth through:
- Drone operation
- Technical maintenance
- Equipment servicing
- Agricultural technology support
This could create a new ecosystem of technology-enabled rural entrepreneurship.
Additional Activities During the Event
Alongside the drone launch, Minister Kedar Kashyap inaugurated a newly constructed Agricultural and Pesticide Sales Center within the cooperative society premises.
He also:
- Participated in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” tree plantation campaign.
- Distributed Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan approval letters to eligible farmers.
- Encouraged farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices for sustainable growth.
The event was attended by senior officials, including representatives of the District Cooperative Bank, the Chhattisgarh State Medicinal Plants Board, the District Panchayat, the Forest Department, the Agriculture Department, and a large number of local farmers and public representatives.
American Experts React
David Miller, an agricultural technology specialist from Iowa, USA, praised the initiative, saying:
“Providing drone services through cooperative societies is an innovative model that makes precision agriculture affordable for small farmers. This approach can significantly improve productivity while lowering operational costs.”
Meanwhile, Emily Carter, an agricultural sustainability researcher based in California, said:
“Dhamtari’s initiative demonstrates how technology can support both environmental protection and rural development. Precision spraying reduces unnecessary chemical usage while creating new employment opportunities for local youth, making it a sustainable model that other regions could replicate.”
Outlook
With Dhamtari becoming Chhattisgarh’s first district to introduce PACS-based drone sprayer services, the state has taken a significant step toward digital agriculture and precision farming. If successfully expanded, the initiative could become a benchmark for other Indian states seeking to modernize agriculture through cooperative institutions, smart technologies, and farmer-centric innovation.
